At the centre of a landmark verdict by the US Supreme Court striking down President Donald Trump’s sweeping global tariffs, is Indian-origin lawyer Neal Katyal, who successfully argued the case before the nation’s highest judicial body. Katyal, a former Acting Solicitor General of the United States under President Barack Obama, represented a group of small businesses challenging the legality of the tariffs. The Court ruled in their favour, delivering a significant judgment on executive powers and constitutional limits.

In an interview to a media organisation, Mr. Katyal, described the ruling as a testament to the strength of American democracy. He said the judgment reflects a system that is capable of self-correction and upholding constitutional principles, regardless of who holds office.

Born in Chicago in 1970 to Indian immigrant parents, Mr. Katyal has long been associated with major constitutional cases. He said that the case was about the presidency as an institution and not about any individual and expressed satisfaction that the Court had upheld the country’s foundational values.