Former Delhi HC judge S. Muralidhar leads UN Report accusing Israel of targeting Palestinian children
Justice S. Muralidhar, the retired Indian judge whose transfer from the Delhi High Court in 2020 sparked a nationwide debate on judicial…
Justice Srinivasan Muralidhar.
Justice S. Muralidhar, the retired Indian judge whose transfer from the Delhi High Court in 2020 sparked a nationwide debate on judicial independence, has re-emerged on the global stage as chair of the United Nations Independent International Commission of Inquiry.
The commission has released a report accusing Israeli security forces of deliberately targeting and killing Palestinian children during the ongoing conflict in Gaza.
According to the report, at least 20,179 Palestinian children were killed over two years, accounting for nearly 30 per cent of all Palestinian fatalities.
The commission concluded that Israel’s military campaign and broader actions amounted to genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity.
UN Report Details Alleged Violations
The report describes what it calls a pattern of deliberate attacks, including the use of snipers and precision drone strikes against children, as well as blockades that allegedly caused widespread starvation.
It also alleges systematic attacks on civilian infrastructure, including neonatal and maternity care facilities, arguing that these actions undermined the reproductive future of the Palestinian community.
The commission further documented allegations of sexual violence and arbitrary detention of children in the West Bank.
Israel’s Foreign Ministry rejected the findings, describing the report as an “outrageous propaganda piece” and a “libelous sham.”
The commission, however, maintained that the evidence pointed to what it described as “genocidal intent” to destroy Palestinian society.
Muralidhar’s Judicial Legacy in India
Justice Muralidhar’s role in the UN inquiry has renewed attention on his judicial career in India, particularly his transfer from the Delhi High Court in February 2020.
During the communal riots in northeast Delhi, he convened a late-night hearing at his residence to facilitate medical treatment for those injured in the violence.
The following day, he questioned the Delhi Police over its failure to register cases against political leaders accused of making inflammatory speeches.
During the hearing, he remarked, “We cannot let another 1984 happen in this city under our watch.”
Hours later, the Centre issued a late-night notification transferring him to the Punjab and Haryana High Court. The timing of the transfer triggered widespread criticism, with the Delhi High Court Bar Association staging a strike and describing the move as punitive.
Career After the Transfer
Justice Muralidhar later served as Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court before retiring. His farewell was marked by an unprecedented show of respect, with lawyers lining up from the courtroom to the street.
In September 2022, the Supreme Court Collegium recommended his transfer to the Madras High Court. The proposal remained pending for six months before being withdrawn by the Collegium in April 2023.
Continuing Role at the United Nations
Based in Geneva, Justice Muralidhar continues to chair the UN Independent International Commission of Inquiry, a permanent investigative body established by the UN Human Rights Council in 2021 to examine alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights law related to the Israel-Palestine conflict and submit periodic reports to UN bodies.
