Thapar is the first Indian American to be nominated by the President for a top judicial post.
President Donald Trump on Monday nominated US District Judge Amul R. Thapar to a key judicial position on the US Court of appeals.
The 47-year-old Thapar is the first Indian American to be nominated by the President for a top judicial post and if confirmed by the Senate, he would become the part of US 6th Circuit Court of Appeals, which hears appeals from Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio and Michigan.
“Throughout his already impressive career of public service, Amul has shown an incredible intellect and an unshakable dedication to the law,” Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell said in a statement.
McConnell said, “He has earned the respect of his colleagues, and I know that he will bring to the Sixth Circuit the same wisdom, fairness, and ability that he has shown on the District Court. President Trump made an outstanding choice and I look forward to the Senates confirmation of Judge Thapar.”
The South Asian Bar Association of North America (SABA) also applauded the President for his intent.
“Judge Thapar is a respected and thoughtful jurist who has long served as a role model for his South Asian and greater legal community,” SABA president Vichal Kumar said.
“Despite being among the youngest judges in the federal judiciary Judge Thapar quickly established a reputation as a top legal scholar among his peers. His nomination furthers SABAs mission of ensuring a judiciary that reflects the diversity of our country and we anticipate that his eminent qualification will earn him a swift confirmation.”
Thapar became the first South Asian Article III judge in 2006 when he was appointed as a US District Judge for the Eastern District of Kentucky. He was appointed to the Attorney Generals Advisory Committee (AGAC) and chaired its Controlled Substances and asset Forfeiture subcommittee.