Dr. Ajit Swaran Singh’s life story is one of perseverance, resilience, and an unrelenting commitment to justice. Born in Labasa, Fiji, Judge Singh’s journey from a small town in the South Pacific to the prestigious District Court Bench in New Zealand is a testament to his extraordinary dedication to public service and the immigrant community.
His appointment as the first Fiji-born Indian judge to the District Court in New Zealand on November 4, 2002, marked a significant milestone, not only in his life but also in the broader Indian and Fijian diasporas.
Early Life and Education of Ajit Swaran Singh: The Foundation of a Legal Luminary
Born into a family that valued education and public service, Judge Singh was raised in Labasa, a town on the Fijian island of Vanua Levu. His father, Sardar Swaran Singh, and his uncle, Sarvan Singh—who was a well-known lawyer and a Member of Parliament in Fiji—provided a solid foundation for his aspirations. His early education at Labasa Secondary School, now known as Labasa College, laid the groundwork for his passion for learning and justice.
With an unquenchable thirst for knowledge, Judge Singh pursued higher education at Victoria University in Wellington, New Zealand, where he earned his Bachelor of Laws (LLB) and Master of Laws with Honours (LLM).
But his academic journey did not end there. Driven by his commitment to legal excellence, Ajit Swaran Singh completed a Doctorate in Civil Laws (DCL) from the prestigious Institute of Comparative Laws at McGill University in Montreal, Canada. This formidable academic background would propel him into a legal career that spanned Fiji, New Zealand, and Australia.
A Historic Appointment: Breaking Barriers
Judge Ajit Swaran Singh’s appointment to the District Court Bench in New Zealand was not only a personal achievement but also a historic one. Sworn in on the auspicious occasion of Diwali, the Festival of Lights, on November 4, 2002, Ajit Swaran Singh became the first Fiji-born Indian to be appointed to such a high office in New Zealand. His swearing-in ceremony was even more significant as he was the first judge to be sworn in on the Guru Granth Sahib, the holy scripture of the Sikh community—a reflection of his deep cultural and religious roots.
Judge Singh joined the ranks of other distinguished judges of Indian origin in New Zealand, such as Ombudsman Judge Anand Satyanand (later Governor-General of New Zealand), and Judge Avinash Deobhakta, an Indian from Uganda. Together, they helped to highlight the growing contributions of the Indian diaspora in New Zealand’s legal landscape.
A Visionary Advocate for Justice and Rehabilitation
Throughout his career, Judge Singh has been a forward-thinking advocate for reform within the criminal justice system. Over his 34 years of service as both a lawyer and a judge, he has witnessed significant shifts in how justice is administered. One of the key transformations he has championed is the focus on rehabilitation over purely punitive measures.
Judge Singh strongly believes that rehabilitation should begin at the outset of an offender’s interaction with the criminal justice system, rather than as an afterthought. He has consistently advocated for sentencing practices that emphasize rehabilitation as a mitigating factor, giving offenders an incentive to improve their lives and reintegrate into society as contributing members. His innovative approach to justice has not only shaped sentencing policies but has also positively impacted the lives of countless individuals.
Community Service: A Lifelong Commitment
Beyond the courtroom, Judge Ajit Swaran Singh’s impact has been felt deeply within New Zealand’s migrant and refugee communities. His unwavering dedication to addressing issues such as family violence, child abuse, mental health, bullying, and racially motivated crimes has been nothing short of inspirational. Judge Singh has frequently spoken at EthnicA Conferences and other community forums, using his platform to raise awareness of the challenges faced by immigrant and refugee populations.
His advocacy for these vulnerable groups is more than just a professional responsibility—it is a personal mission. Judge Singh has been actively involved in community education efforts for many years, particularly focusing on violence prevention for recent migrant and refugee groups, as well as youth and senior citizens. His long-term commitment to the White Ribbon kaupapa—a campaign to prevent violence against women—has made him a beacon of hope for many.
A Lifetime of Accolades and Recognition
Judge Singh’s outstanding contributions to public service and justice have not gone unnoticed. Over the years, he has received numerous national and international awards for his work. Among the most prestigious is the Pravasi Bharatiya Samman Award, presented to him by the President of India. This award recognizes exceptional contributions made by members of the Indian diaspora in various fields, including public service.
In New Zealand, Judge Ajit Swaran Singh was inducted into the Kiwi Indian Hall of Fame, an honor presented by former Prime Minister Sir John Key. This recognition highlights his profound influence on New Zealand’s legal and social landscape as a leader of Indian descent who has continuously worked for the betterment of society.
Diwali: A Symbol of New Beginnings
Diwali holds a special place in Judge Singh’s heart. It was on this festival of lights in 2002 that he was first sworn in as a District Court Judge. In a poetic turn of events, 19 years later, in 2021, Diwali once again became a symbol of renewal for Judge Singh as he retired and was reappointed on an Acting Warrant. For Judge Singh, Diwali represents the triumph of light over darkness, much like his life’s work, which has consistently illuminated paths of justice, compassion, and rehabilitation.
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