Tamil Nadu's 'Crusader Judge' Lauded for Taking on Corruption While Mentoring Lawyers and Promoting Change
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Justice Venkatesh is known as a "crusader judge" who takes on high-profile corruption cases against politicians in Tamil Nadu. He is currently hearing cases against DMK and AIADMK leaders.
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He has a reputation for being tough on lawyers in his courtroom, but also encourages and guides junior lawyers, making his court a good "learning ground".
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He attributes his strong ethics and concern for justice to his modest upbringing and sole focus on his legal career. Justice Kaul is considered a mentor and "father figure".
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Justice Venkatesh made headlines for seeking counseling to better understand the LGBTQIA+ community while hearing a related case. He aims to continuously "add one brick" towards positive change through his judgments.
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His peers praise him as a judge with strong convictions who is able to "take a bull by its horns" in corruption cases against powerful figures. He has faced criticism from politicians over his strict rulings.