K. T. Thomas, Judge
Judge

K. T. Thomas

Born 30 January 1937 · verify

Confirmed the death sentences in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case as a Supreme Court judge.

Kallupurackal Thomas Thomas is an Indian former judge who served on the Supreme Court of India. He presided over and confirmed the death sentences in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case. He was awarded the Padma Bhushan in 2007, post-retirement. He has taken strong public positions since 2011 such as exonerating RSS in Mahatma Gandhi's assassination and opposition to capital punishment.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Justice K.T. Thomas publicly exonerated the RSS from any involvement in Gandhi's assassination in 2011, a rare position for a former Supreme Court judge that sparked national debate.

The Story

1
In 1989, Kallupurackal Thomas Thomas etched his name into Indian legal history by confirming the death sentences for the assassins of former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi, an act that polarized public opinion and judicial debate.
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🌟 After retiring from the Supreme Court in 2002, he was honored with the Padma Bhushan in 2007, a civilian award recognizing his judicial service, yet this recognition came amidst his vocal critiques of India's capital punishment system.
3In a striking 2011 public stance, Justice Thomas challenged the widely held belief implicating the RSS in Mahatma Gandhi's assassination, stirring intense controversy and discussions on historical narratives in India.
4Throughout his post-retirement years, he has actively spoken against the death penalty, arguing for judicial reforms and humane alternatives, positioning him as a rare voice of dissent among former Supreme Court judges.

🏅 Awards & Honours

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🔍 One thing most people don't know

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In 2011, Justice K.T. Thomas publicly stated that the RSS was not involved in Mahatma Gandhi's assassination, contradicting the popular narrative and causing widespread controversy.

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Through the Years

1 photograph from the archives
Justice K. T. Thomas official portrait from 2018
Justice K. T. Thomas official portrait from 2018
2018

🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Birth of K.T. Thomas
Kallupurackal Thomas Thomas was born on January 30, 1937, providing the chronological anchor for his later judicial career.
1937
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Career
Confirmed death sentences in Rajiv Gandhi case
As a Supreme Court judge, Thomas confirmed the death sentences for the assassins of Rajiv Gandhi, a landmark judicial decision in India.
1989
⚡
Career
Retirement from Supreme Court
Justice Thomas retired from the Supreme Court of India, ending his official judicial tenure but beginning his public advocacy phase.
2002
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Award
Awarded Padma Bhushan
He was awarded the Padma Bhushan, India's third-highest civilian award, in recognition of his contributions to the judiciary.
2007
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Other
Publicly exonerated RSS in Gandhi assassination
Justice Thomas took a controversial public position asserting that the RSS was not involved in the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi.
2011
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Other
Speech at VI Marthoma Award event
Delivered a notable speech at Puthencavu, Kerala, emphasizing legal and moral issues in Indian society.
2013
More moments to come...
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🗝️Discoveries

Swipe to uncover hidden stories
01 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

He confirmed the death sentences in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case, a verdict that was among the most scrutinized in Indian legal history during the early 1990s.

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02 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Justice Thomas received the Padma Bhushan in 2007, five years after his retirement, during a period when he was increasingly vocal against capital punishment.

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03 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

He has taken a rare judicial stance by opposing capital punishment publicly, despite having upheld death sentences during his tenure on the Supreme Court.

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No quote recorded for K. T. Thomas yet.

🎙️ Speeches & Recordings

These recordings preserve the legacy of Bharat's icons
justice K T Thomas speaks about R S S
·YouTube
More from this archive
justice K T Thomas speaks about R S S
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justice K T Thomas speaks about R S S
YouTube
justice kt thomas Speaks About RSS
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justice kt thomas Speaks About RSS
YouTube
Justice K.T.THOMAS on POINT BLANK
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Justice K.T.THOMAS on POINT BLANK
YouTube
Interview with Justice K T Thomas: Part 1
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Interview with Justice K T Thomas: Part 1
YouTube
VTS 01 3Interview with Justice K.T Thomas by Madavana
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VTS 01 3Interview with Justice K.T Thomas by Madavana
YouTube
Justice K.T.Thomas on RSS Part2.flv
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Justice K.T.Thomas on RSS Part2.flv
YouTube
Justice K.T Thomas on RSS Part1.flv
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Justice K.T Thomas on RSS Part1.flv
YouTube
Sentinels Of Justice Episode 1 | An interview with Justice K T Thomas | Responsum |
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Sentinels Of Justice Episode 1 | An interview with Justice K T Thomas | Responsum |
YouTube
Mukhamukham with Justice KT Thomas
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Mukhamukham with Justice KT Thomas
YouTube
justice KT Thomas interview-powervision 1.flv
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justice KT Thomas interview-powervision 1.flv
YouTube

🌱 What changed because of them

Justice K.T. Thomas' confirmation of the death sentences in the Rajiv Gandhi assassination case set a high-profile legal precedent for dealing with terrorism-related crimes in India. His outspoken opposition to capital punishment and efforts to revisit historical interpretations, such as the RSS's role in Gandhi's assassination, have influenced public discourse on judicial ethics and historical accountability. His Padma Bhushan award in 2007 underscored recognition of his judicial contributions even as he challenged mainstream views post-retirement.

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