‘Colorful’ does not only indicate vices or indiscretions. If Justice Shamit Mukherjee, at No. 10, is Grey, then my choice for No. 9 represents Red. It must be granted to Hon’ble Justice K.S.P. Radhakrishnan.

Jalikattu, (2014) 7 SCC 547 and studying of “Bull Behavioural Ethology” fetched Justice Radhakrishnan: PETA (India) Man of the Year Award, 2014. Bulls taking part in Jalikattu are “specifically identified, trained and nourished” much like how distinctive feeding techniques, accompanied by classical music prepares Tajima-gyu Breed of Cattle for a Ritz buffet. Jalikattu Case is a “watershed moment in animal rights adjudication” and the reason behind Justice Radhakrishnan joining the ranks of Dream Girl Hema Malini, a previous PETA awardee. However, the Red I credit Justice Radhakrishnan with is a shade of Vermillion.

Pinakin Mahipatray Rawal v. State of Gujarat, (2013) 10 SCC 48 and Indra Sarma v. V.K.V. Sarma, 2013 (14) SCALE 448, pronounced by Justice Radhakrishnan, will stand to disrupt many marital lives! In Pinakin, it was held, “possibly, in a given case” a Wife could seek compensation, in monetary terms, from the party who disrupts her marriage and alienates her Husband’s affections. In Indra Sarma it was considered, “an unmarried adult woman, knowingly living in with a married adult male” is undeserving of mercy.

During his 5 years at SC, Justice Radhakrishnan also pronounced on “sexual orientations” in National Legal Services Authority v. Union of India, (2014) 5 SCC 438 and recounted the famous story of Lord Krishna, “assuming the form of a beautiful woman called Mohini” and marrying Iravan, son of Arjuna. Iravan’s story is one of sacrifice, written in blood.

For his decisions, as enriching to construct as it is to read, Hon’ble Justice K.S.P. Radhakrishnan is my Judge with a Colorful Life: No. 9.