Indian jurist leads global probe into Israel-Gaza rights violations.
In a development that underscores the global standing of Indian judiciary figures, Justice S Muralidhar, the former Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court, has been entrusted with a critical international responsibility. The United Nations has appointed the distinguished jurist to chair its Independent International Commission of Inquiry focused on the Occupied Palestinian Territory and Israel.
This appointment places Justice Muralidhar at the center of one of the world's most scrutinized geopolitical issues. He steps into this role following the tenure of Brazilian legal expert Paulo Sergio Pinheiro. The commission, established in 2021, holds a broad mandate to investigate alleged violations of international human rights law by all parties involved in the ongoing conflict.
A Critical Mandate Amidst Conflict
The commission's work has gained heightened significance following the escalation of violence that began in October 2023. Recently, the panel was granted expanded authority to document specific issues, including the activities of Israeli settlers and the flow of arms during military operations in Gaza.
Justice Muralidhar takes the helm at a volatile time. Previous reports filed by this commission—including a submission in September 2025 alleging acts of genocide in Gaza—have drawn intense global attention. As the new chair, his leadership will be pivotal as the commission reports its findings to both the UN General Assembly and the Human Rights Council.
A Legacy of Fearless Judiciary
For the people of Odisha and the wider Indian legal fraternity, Justice Muralidhar is a familiar figure known for his unwavering commitment to justice. His career began at the Madras High Court in 1984, eventually leading him to the Delhi High Court and later to the Supreme Court as a senior advocate.
He served as the Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court from 2021 until his retirement in 2023. Throughout his 17-year tenure on the bench, he was celebrated as a champion for the marginalized. He is perhaps best remembered for his role in the 2009 Delhi High Court judgment that initially decriminalized homosexuality by reading down Section 377, a landmark verdict that set the stage for future rights advancements.
Navigating Controversy
Justice Muralidhar’s career has also seen its share of friction with the establishment. In February 2020, he made headlines following a sudden, late-night transfer to the Punjab and Haryana High Court. This move occurred mere hours after a bench he led criticized the Delhi Police for their inaction regarding hate speech allegations against political leaders during the northeast Delhi riots. The timing of the transfer sparked widespread debate and protests within the legal community.
Now, returning to the international stage after resuming private practice, Justice S Muralidhar brings decades of experience and a reputation for integrity to a UN panel tasked with one of the most challenging human rights investigations of our time.
