Nagendra Singh, Judge, ICJ President
Judge, ICJ President

Nagendra Singh

Born 18 March 1914 · Rajasthan — Died 11 December 1988

First Indian judge and President of the International Court of Justice from 1985 to 1988.

Prince Sri Nagendra Singh was an Indian lawyer and administrator who served as President of the International Court of Justice from 1985 to 1988. He was the first Indian judge at the International Court of Justice and one among the four judges from India to have been judges of the International Court of Justice in The Hague, the others being B. N. Rau (1952–1953), R.

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A detail that
surprised us

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Nagendra Singh was the first Indian judge to serve as President of the International Court of Justice from 1985 to 1988, a role held in The Hague, Netherlands.

The Story

1
In 1914, Nagendra Singh was born in the princely state of Dungarpur, Rajasthan, as a prince before becoming the first Indian judge at the International Court of Justice in The Hague.
2
🌍 Between 1967 and 1972, Singh served on the United Nations International Law Commission part-time, shaping international legal frameworks during a pivotal post-colonial era.
3In 1972, he briefly held the office of Chief Election Commissioner of India, overseeing crucial electoral processes amidst a politically turbulent period.
4🚀 In 1973, Singh moved to The Hague to join the International Court of Justice, marking a transition from Indian civil administration to the pinnacle of global legal adjudication.

🏅 Awards & Honours

1973
Padma Vibhushan

🔍 One thing most people don't know

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Born into the royal family of Dungarpur in 1914, Singh transitioned from princely status to international law, an unusual path for Indian princes of his time.

📸 Through the Years

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🗓️ A Life in Moments

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Birth
Born in Dungarpur, Rajasthan
Nagendra Singh was born into the royal family of the Kingdom of Dungarpur, son of Bijai Singh and Davendra Kanwar.
1914
📚
Education
Studied at St John's College, Cambridge
Before joining the Indian Civil Service, Singh was educated at St John's College, Cambridge, preparing for a career in law and administration.
c.1930
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Career
Secretary to the President of India
Singh served as secretary to the President of India from 1966 to 1972, managing key administrative functions at the highest constitutional office.
1966
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Career
Became Chief Election Commissioner of India
He took charge as the 4th Chief Election Commissioner of India on 1 October 1972, overseeing election processes until 6 February 1973.
1972
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Career
Became Judge at International Court of Justice
Singh was appointed judge at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, serving until 1988, a milestone for Indian jurists.
1973
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Award
Received Padma Vibhushan
The Government of India awarded him the Padma Vibhushan in recognition of his distinguished service in civil administration and law.
1973
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Career
Became President of the ICJ
On 6 February 1985, Singh was elected President of the International Court of Justice, a position he held until 1988.
1985
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Death
Passed away in The Hague
Nagendra Singh died in December 1988 while residing in The Hague, marking the end of his lifelong dedication to international law.
1988
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🗝️Discoveries

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01 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

Between 1967 and 1972, Singh served on the UN International Law Commission part-time, influencing codification of international legal principles during a crucial era.

02 / 04
🔍LESSER KNOWN

In 1972, Singh held the role of Chief Election Commissioner of India for only about four months, a brief but critical tenure during a politically sensitive period.

03 / 04
🏆ACHIEVEMENT

He was awarded the Padma Vibhushan in 1973, the same year he began his judgeship at the International Court of Justice, marking a year of dual recognition.

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🌱 What changed because of them

Nagendra Singh paved the way for Indian representation in international legal institutions, influencing the global stature of Indian jurists. His tenure as President of the ICJ helped strengthen India’s voice in international law, encouraging later appointments like R.S. Pathak and Dalveer Bhandari. Domestically, his brief role as Chief Election Commissioner linked his legal expertise with democratic governance in India.

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