Understanding Indians in the International Court of Justice (ICJ)

The question asks to identify the Indian individual who held the esteemed position of President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

The International Court of Justice is the principal judicial organ of the United Nations. It is located at the Peace Palace in The Hague, Netherlands. Its role is to settle, in accordance with international law, legal disputes submitted to it by States and to give advisory opinions on legal questions referred to it by authorized United Nations organs and specialized agencies.

Over the years, several distinguished Indian jurists have served as judges on the International Court of Justice, contributing significantly to international law. However, only one has also served as its President.

Analyzing the Options

• Justice Nagendra Singh: He was an Indian judge who served on the International Court of Justice from 1973 to 1988. Importantly, he served as the President of the ICJ from 1985 to 1988.
• Justice M Katju: Markandey Katju is a former Judge of the Supreme Court of India and former Chairman of the Press Council of India. He has not served on the International Court of Justice.
• Justice Y V Chandrachud: Yeshwant Vishnu Chandrachud was the 16th Chief Justice of India, serving from 1978 to 1985. He holds the record for the longest tenure as Chief Justice of India. He did not serve on the International Court of Justice.
• Justice J S Khehar: Jagdish Singh Khehar was the 44th Chief Justice of India, serving in 2017. He has not served on the International Court of Justice.

Conclusion: The Indian ICJ President

Based on the analysis, Justice Nagendra Singh is the only individual among the options who served as a judge at the International Court of Justice and also held the position of its President.

Therefore, the correct answer is Justice Nagendra Singh.

Revision Table: Key Information on Indian ICJ Representatives

Additional Information on the International Court of Justice and Indian Judges

The International Court of Justice consists of fifteen judges elected for terms of nine years by the United Nations General Assembly and the Security Council. Judges must be individuals of high moral character, who possess the qualifications required in their respective countries for appointment to the highest judicial offices, or are jurisconsults of recognized competence in international law.

• Judges are elected based on their qualifications, not their nationality, though the election process does aim to ensure representation of the principal legal systems of the world.
• The Court elects its President and Vice-President for terms of three years. They may be re-elected.
• Besides Justice Nagendra Singh who served as President, other notable Indians have served as judges, including Sir Benegal Narsing Rau, Justice R. S. Pathak, and the current judge, Justice Dalveer Bhandari.
• Serving as President of the ICJ is a significant international recognition and involves presiding over court sessions and managing its administrative affairs.