Hon’ble Mr. Justice P. Krishna Bhat (Retd.)
Hon’ble Mr. Justice P. Krishna Bhat is a distinguished former Judge of the Karnataka High Court, renowned for his deep commitment to justice, integrity, and judicial independence. With a career spanning decades in the legal and judicial domains, Justice Bhat has been widely respected for his scholarly approach to law and his unwavering adherence to constitutional values.
“The essence of a good judge lies not only in the sharpness of their reasoning but in the strength of their moral compass.”
— Hon’ble Mr. Justice P. Krishna Bhat
Judicial Career
Justice P. Krishna Bhat was elevated to the bench of the Karnataka High Court, where he served with distinction until his retirement on August 5, 2022. During his tenure, he delivered several landmark judgments across civil, criminal, and constitutional matters. His judgments reflect a strong commitment to social justice, gender equality, and protection of fundamental rights.
Justice Bhat was known not only for his legal acumen but also for his humility and deep understanding of the human dimensions of law. His opinions frequently emphasized fairness, reasoned interpretation, and the moral responsibilities of the judiciary.
Post-Retirement Roles
Following his retirement, Justice Bhat has continued to contribute meaningfully to public and academic life:
- Honorary Professor at Manipal Law School, Bengaluru
Justice Bhat currently serves as an Honorary Professor at Manipal Law School (MLS), Bengaluru. In this capacity, he mentors students, engages in academic discourse, and enriches the legal curriculum with his practical insights and deep judicial experience. - Administrator of the Basketball Federation of India (BFI)
In May 2023, the Delhi High Court appointed Justice Bhat as the Administrator of the Basketball Federation of India. His role includes overseeing the electoral process and ensuring transparency and accountability in the Federation’s administration—demonstrating the judiciary’s trust in his leadership and integrity.
Thought Leadership
Justice Bhat is a vocal advocate for the independence of the judiciary and has often spoken publicly on the ethical obligations of judges, the importance of dissent in democracy, and the need for judicial courage in the face of political and institutional pressure.
His post-retirement engagements reflect his ongoing dedication to the values of justice, education, and public service.
🌟 Key Achievements and Contributions
🏛️ Judicial Career
- Former Judge of the Karnataka High Court.
- Known for fair and balanced judgments.
- Defended the independence of the judiciary.
- Respected for honesty, integrity, and courage.
📚 Academic Role
- Serves as Honorary Professor at Manipal Law School, Bengaluru.
- Guides and mentors law students and young lawyers.
- Shares real-life legal experience in classrooms.
⚽ Public Service
- Appointed as Administrator of the Basketball Federation of India by the Delhi High Court.
- Ensures transparent and fair elections in the sports body.
🌍 Social Leadership
- Strong voice for justice, equality, and human rights.
- Stands up for the poor, women, and marginalized communities.
- Believes law should be used with compassion and empathy.
🧭 Values and Humanity
- Always stood by the truth and moral values, even in difficult times.
- A true role model for young judges, lawyers, and students.
- Promotes a humane and ethical approach to law and life.