Chief Justice Koka Subba Rao (1902 – 1976) was a staunch defender of fundamental rights and civil liberties. He often dissented in favor of individual rights against state power.
He authored the majority opinion in Golaknath v. State of Punjab (1967), ruling that Parliament cannot amend the Constitution to abridge Fundamental Rights and introduced the doctrine of prospective overruling in India.
He was born in Rajamahendravaram (Rajahmundry), Andhra Pradesh, into a Velama family. He graduated from Government Arts College, Rajamahendravaram and studied law at Madras Law College
He enrolled as advocate in 1926 and practiced at Madras High Court. He was elevated as Judge of Madras High Court in 1948.
He later went on to serve in several important judicial positions:
- Chief Justice of Andhra Pradesh High Court (1956–1958; first after state's formation)
- Judge, Supreme Court of India (1958–1966)
- 9th Chief Justice of India (30 June 1966 – 11 April 1967)
He resigned as CJI in 1967 to contest as opposition consensus candidate in the Indian presidential election but lost to Zakir Husain.