Who Is Markandey Katju? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Markandey Katju was born on September 20, 1946, making him 78 years old as of 2025. He is renowned for his influential role as a judge in the Supreme Court of India, as well as for his diverse contributions in legal academia and public commentary. Known for his progressive stances on various legal matters, Katju has been a vocal advocate for the judiciary's role in upholding social justice.
His extensive career in law has earned him widespread recognition, and his writings on legal reform and justice system issues continue to resonate in contemporary discussions.
| Occupation | Lawyers |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 20, 1946 |
| Age | 78 Years |
| Birth Place | Lucknow, United Provinces, British India |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | India |
Popularity
Markandey Katju's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
While specific measurements of Markandey Katju are not publicly documented, he is often noted for his dignified presence. As a public figure, his stature and demeanor command respect, reflecting his years of service in the judiciary and academic realms.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Markandey Katju is a family-oriented individual. Although details about his personal life, including dating status, are typically kept private, he is married. His wife has been a supportive partner throughout his illustrious career. The couple values privacy, ensuring that their family life remains largely out of the public eye.
Katju's family consisted mainly of lawyers who took a keen interest in politics and current affairs. His father, Shiva Nath Katju, was a judge and an Indian National Congress politician and was elected a member of the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Assembly and the Uttar Pradesh Legislative Council.
His grandfather, Kailash Nath Katju, was one of India's leading lawyers and participated in the country's freedom movement. His grandfather also served as the governor of Orissa and West Bengal, the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, the Union Home, Law, and the Defence Minister. Katju's uncle, B.N.
Katju was the Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court. The academic Tilottama Mukherji Tharoor, the first wife of Shashi Tharoor, is also a cousin to Katju. Katju topped the merit list of Allahabad university's LL.B. examination in 1967.
He was awarded an Honoris Causa by a Doctor of Philosophy from Shri Lal Bahadur Shastri Sanskrit University, New Delhi, for his book Mimansa Rules of Interpretation. Katju was also awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Law from Banaras Hindu University.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Markandey Katju's estimated net worth is significant, stemming from his extensive career within the legal system and various advisory roles. His net worth is approximated to be in the range of several million dollars, reflecting his earnings from judicial positions and engagements in legal consultancies and academia.
Katju started his law practice at the Allahabad High Court from 1970 to 1991. He specialized in Labour Law, Taxation and Writ Petitions. He has also worked as Standing Counsel for the Income Tax Department. He was elevated to the Bench of Allahabad High Court in 1991 and was appointed acting Chief Justice of Allahabad High Court in August 2004.
Katju was appointed Chief Justice of Madras High Court in November 2004, and Chief Justice of Delhi High Court in October 2005. He was then elevated to the Supreme Court of India in April 2006, from which he retired on 19 September 2011; after having served in the judiciary for nearly 20 years.
He subsequently served as the Chairman of the Press Council of India for three years.
Career, Business, and Investments
Markandey Katju's career spans several decades, during which he has held various prestigious positions, including serving as a judge at the Supreme Court of India. Post-retirement, he has engaged in several initiatives aimed at enhancing the legal landscape in India. His investment in legal education and his role as a commentator on legal issues have established him as a seasoned authority in his field.
Beyond his judicial career, Katju has ventured into writing, authoring articles and books that critique India's legal system and discuss its future. His activism in the realm of social justice reflects his commitment to improving the legal landscape.
Markandey Katju is an Indian jurist. He was the former judge of Supreme Court of India. He also was chairman of the Press Council of India from 2011 to 2014. He is the son of politician Shiva Nath Katju and grandson of Kailash Nath Katju.
He is the founder and patron of the Indian Reunification Association (IRA), an organisation that advocates for the peaceful reunification of what is now Pakistan and Bangladesh with India under a secular government.
Social Network
Markandey Katju is active on various social media platforms, engaging with followers on topics related to law, justice, and social issues. His presence on platforms like Twitter and Facebook allows him to share insights and foster discussions on current legal affairs in India. He uses these channels not just for personal expression but also to stimulate public dialogue around crucial societal issues.
* Addressing a seminar organized by the South Asia Media Commission, and subsequently in several articles and interviews; Katju said that "90 per cent of Indians are fools" and "20 per cent Hindus and 20 per cent Muslims, are communal." He tried to justify his statement on the grounds that a majority of Indians vote on the basis of caste or commun
ity, and not merit, citing the example of Phoolan Devi, a dacoit and murderer, who was allegedly elected to Parliament even though she belonged to a backward caste.
He also explained that it was meant to awaken people to the realities of social evils like casteism and communalism in the country, after two Lucknow students, Tanaya and Aditya Thakur, had sent him a legal notice.
Education
Markandey Katju's educational background is impressive. He holds a degree in law from the prestigious University of Delhi, where he developed a strong foundation in legal principles and practices. Throughout his career, he has also participated in various legal workshops and seminars, contributing to his extensive knowledge and expertise in the field of law.
