Who Is Justice Ajay Rastogi? Former Judge To Oversight CBI Probe Into Karur Stampede

The Supreme Court has ordered a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry into the Karur stampede tragedy, which claimed at least 41 lives and left many injured. A three-member oversight committee, headed by former Supreme Court judge Justice Ajay Rastogi, will monitor the probe.

The court's directive came in response to petitions filed by Tamil actor Vijay's political outfit, Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam (TVK), which challenged earlier court orders concerning the investigation. The Supreme Court observed that an independent and transparent probe was essential to ensure justice for the victims.

Who is Justice Ajay Rastogi?

Justice Ajay Rastogi, born on June 18, 1958, is a former Supreme Court judge known for his fairness, administrative acumen, and impactful rulings. His father, Harish Chandra Rastogi, was a respected civil lawyer at the Rajasthan High Court, where Justice Rastogi began his own legal career in 1982, specialising in constitutional and service law.

He served as Standing Counsel for the Rajasthan High Court in 1990 and was elevated as a High Court judge in 2004. Between 2013 and 2016, he served as Executive Chairman of the State Legal Services Authority (Rajasthan), during which the authority won the National Award for Excellence three years in a row.

Justice Rastogi later became the Chief Justice of the Tripura High Court in 2018 before being elevated to the Supreme Court of India on November 2, 2018.

Judicial Legacy and Key Rulings

Justice Rastogi's tenure in the apex court was marked by landmark judgments on constitutional, administrative, and gender equality issues.

In February 2020, he was part of the bench that directed the Indian Army to grant Permanent Commission and command roles to women officers in non-combat areas.

A month later, a similar decision was extended to women officers in the Indian Navy, reinforcing gender parity in the armed forces.

He also contributed to rulings on Jallikattu and triple talaq, addressing issues related to animal welfare and gender rights.

In another key verdict, Justice Rastogi was involved in directing that appointments to the Election Commission of India should be made through a bipartisan committee, ensuring greater transparency.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he rejected pleas for extra UPSC attempts, stating that such policy decisions rest with the executive, not the judiciary.

Ongoing Influence in Judicial Affairs

Even after retirement, Justice Rastogi continues to play a pivotal role in matters of national significance. His appointment to head the Karur stampede CBI probe monitoring committee highlights the judiciary's trust in his integrity and expertise.

The Supreme Court's move underscores its intent to ensure a fair, impartial, and comprehensive investigation, providing closure to the victims' families and accountability for administrative failures.