Radhabinod Pal

Indian jurist who dissented against the majority judgment in the Tokyo Trials, advocating for a fairer interpretation of international law.

Radhabinod Pal (1886–1967) was a distinguished Indian jurist renowned for his dissent during the International Military Tribunal for the Far East (Tokyo Trials) after World War II. While the majority of judges convicted Japanese leaders for war crimes, Pal argued that the trials lacked legal legitimacy, citing ex post facto application of laws and victor’s justice. His 1,235-page dissenting opinion emphasized the need for impartiality in international law, questioning the moral authority of colonial powers to judge others.

Pal’s stance was rooted in his belief that the Allies’ own actions—such as the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki—were equally culpable. He criticized the tribunal for ignoring crimes committed by Western nations, including colonial exploitation in Asia. Though controversial, his dissent later gained recognition as a precursor to postcolonial legal scholarship and a symbol of resistance against Eurocentric legal frameworks.

Beyond the Tokyo Trials, Pal contributed to India’s legal infrastructure, serving on the UN International Law Commission. His legacy is celebrated in Japan, where a monument in his honor stands at the Yasukuni Shrine, reflecting his enduring impact on debates about justice and historical memory.