Ajay Kumar Tripathi (12 November 1957 – 2 May 2020) was an Indian judge who held senior positions in the state and national judiciary. He served as Chief Justice of the Chhattisgarh High Court from 7 July 2018 until 22 March 2019, and was appointed a Judicial Member of the Lokpal on 23 March 2019. Tripathi was born in the state of Bihar.

Career and principal offices

Tripathi's public profile is defined by two principal appointments: the leadership of a high court bench at the state level and membership of the Lokpal, India's apex anti-corruption body. As Chief Justice he headed the Chhattisgarh High Court for a period that included administrative and judicial responsibilities; as a Judicial Member of the Lokpal he was part of a multi-member tribunal tasked with investigating corruption complaints against public servants.

Typical functions and responsibilities

  • Chief Justice (state high court): oversee judicial administration of the court, allocate cases and benches, and deliver judgments on substantial points of law.
  • Judicial Member of the Lokpal: hear and decide complaints, guide inquiries, and contribute to the tribunal's interpretation of the Lokpal Act and related procedures.

The Lokpal institution was created to provide an independent forum for addressing high-level corruption and typically includes judicial members who are former judges of higher courts. Membership of the Lokpal is therefore seen as an extension of public service for senior jurists, bringing judicial experience to investigations and quasi-judicial proceedings.

Illness and death: Tripathi tested positive for COVID-19 on 5 April 2020 and subsequently died in New Delhi on 2 May 2020 at the age of 62. His death occurred during the global pandemic that affected many public figures and institutions.

Legacy and assessment of Tripathi's career emphasize his roles at two levels of India's justice system: leading a state high court and participating in the national anti-corruption mechanism. His appointments reflect the practice of selecting experienced jurists to head complex adjudicatory and administrative functions within the Indian legal framework.