In a significant ruling with far-reaching implications for US trade policy, the US Supreme Court has struck down reciprocal tariffs imposed during the presidency of Donald Trump, declaring the measures unlawful.
The case was argued by Neal Katyal, an Indian-origin lawyer who represented small businesses adversely affected by the tariffs. The court's decision marks a major victory for challengers who contended that the executive branch had exceeded its authority.
Katyal is a former Acting Solicitor General of the United States, having served under former President Barack Obama, and is widely regarded as one of the country's leading Supreme Court advocates.
Born in Chicago in 1970 to Indian immigrant parents - a paediatrician mother and an engineer father - Katyal went on to study law at Yale Law School. He later held senior roles at the US Department of Justice, where he argued numerous cases before the nation's top court.
In 2011, Katyal was awarded the Edmund Randolph Award, the highest civilian honour bestowed by the Justice Department, recognising his exceptional public service.
He is currently a partner at Milbank LLP in Washington DC, specialising in high-stakes litigation and arbitration.
Legal experts say the ruling reinforces judicial oversight over presidential trade powers and underscores the continued influence of experienced Supreme Court advocates in shaping US law.