Justice K V Viswanathan Steps Down: A Case of Conflict

Justice K V Viswanathan of the Supreme Court has recused himself from a case after recognizing he had previously represented the appellant as a lawyer. Originally scheduled for judgment, the case will now be reassigned following this disclosure.

Justice K V Viswanathan, a judge on India's Supreme Court, decided to recuse himself from a case concerning Alchemist Asset Reconstruction Company Private Limited. The decision came after it was revealed that he had previously acted as counsel for the appellant during an earlier phase of the case.

Justice Viswanathan, who ascended from the Bar to the Supreme Court bench in May 2023, noticed this potential conflict of interest after the judgment had been reserved last month. In response, the bench took proactive measures to recall the previous order from March 17.

The case, initially heard by a bench including Justices J B Pardiwala and Viswanathan, will now be reassigned to maintain the integrity of the proceedings. The Chief Justice of India will direct the listing of the matter before another bench to ensure impartiality is upheld.

(With inputs from agencies.)