Sarv Mittra Sikri

Who was Sarv Mittra Sikri?

Sarv Mittra Sikri was the 13th Chief Justice of the Supreme Court of India from 22 January 1971 until his retirement on 25 April 1973.

He began his legal career in 1930 as an attorney practicing at the Lahore High Court. Following independence, he was appointed the Assistant Advocate General of Punjab in 1949. He served as advocate general from 1951 to 1964.

In February 1964, he was appointed as judge of the Supreme Court of India, and became Chief Justice of India in January, 1971. He was second in seniority but was appointed as seniormost judge Zafar Imam refused the honour on health grounds.

Kesavananda Bharati vs. The State of Kerala is a major decision during his tenure as chief justice. He is credited with outlining the Basic Structure doctrine of the Constitution of India.