Sarosh Homi Kapadia (29 September 1947 – 4 January 2016) was an Indian jurist who served as the 38th Chief Justice of India from 12 May 2010 until 28 September 2012. Born and raised in Mumbai in a Parsi family, he rose through the ranks of the Indian legal profession to hold the country’s highest judicial office. For a concise profile, see biographical information.

Kapadia trained and practised as a lawyer in Mumbai, building experience in civil and constitutional matters over several decades before joining the judiciary. He was appointed to the bench of the Bombay High Court and subsequently elevated to the Supreme Court of India. During his years as an advocate and as a judge he handled a broad range of cases, which prepared him for administrative and adjudicatory responsibilities at the national level. Contemporary reports of his elevation and earlier career can be found at career summaries.

Chief Justice of India (2010–2012)

As Chief Justice, Kapadia was the administrative head of the Indian judiciary and presided over the Supreme Court for more than two years. His term included management of the court’s docket, participation in the collegium system for judicial appointments, and oversight of judicial administration. Observers noted his focus on the efficient disposition of cases and on strengthening court procedures to improve access to justice. Coverage of his tenure and the legal environment of the period is available at contemporary reporting.

Jurisprudence and legacy

Kapadia authored and contributed to judgments across a range of topics, including constitutional interpretation, commercial disputes and other civil matters. Colleagues and commentators often described his approach as pragmatic and institutionally minded, emphasizing the rule of law and the functioning of courts. His period as Chief Justice is part of ongoing discussions about judicial reform, case management, and the balance between judicial independence and accountability.

Personal life and death

Kapadia remained connected to Mumbai throughout his life. He died on 4 January 2016 in Mumbai from a cardiac arrest at the age of 68. Obituaries and contemporaneous news accounts reported on his passing and summarized his public service; a representative notice is archived at an obituary source.

Further reading

Note: This article provides a concise, neutral summary drawn from widely reported facts about S. H. Kapadia’s life and public service. For detailed case law or scholarly analysis of his judgments, consult law reports and specialist commentaries.