Aastha Pareek
Justice K.S. Puttaswamy, a distinguished figure in Indian judiciary, passed away on October 26, 2023, in Bengaluru. His death marked the end of a remarkable legal career that significantly impacted the Indian constitutional landscape.
Born in 1941 in the small town of Bikkannakere, Karnataka, Puttaswamy completed his law degree at the University of Mysore and began his judicial career as a lawyer. He was appointed as a judge of the Karnataka High Court in 1997 and served until his retirement in 2006. During his tenure, he was known for his commitment to upholding fundamental rights and ensuring justice.
His most notable contribution came from his role in the landmark case Justice K.S. Puttaswamy (retd.) v._union of india and ors.He challenged the constitutionality of the Aadhaar scheme, leading to a 2017 Supreme Court ruling that recognized the right to privacy as a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Indian Constitution. This ruling has had far-reaching implications for personal data protection and individual autonomy in India.
Throughout his career, Justice Puttaswamy was involved in various cases that shaped constitutional law in India. In particular, his judgments underscored the importance of individual rights, including the rights of marginalized groups. He articulated that “their rights are not ‘so-called’ but are real rights founded on sound constitutional doctrine,” reinforcing the idea that fundamental rights must be protected vigorously.
Justice Puttaswamy’s legacy lies not only in his judicial contributions but also in his advocacy for civil liberties and privacy rights. His work has inspired ongoing discussions on data protection laws in India, making him a pivotal figure in contemporary legal discourse.
His demise has marked the end of an era.