Neal Katyal’s Legal Victory: Indian-Origin Lawyer Successfully Challenges Trump’s Tariffs in Court

The recent court decision concerning Trump’s tariffs has important implications for Indian exporters, who were directly affected by the 50% levy. A key figure in this legal battle was Neal Katyal, an American citizen of Indian descent, who contested Trump’s authority to impose these tariffs. Katyal argued that the president lacked the power to unilaterally implement economic policies, asserting that this power resides with Congress. The court’s decision, issued by the Federal Circuit Court of Appeals in Washington, sided with Katyal, with a 7-4 majority concluding that Trump had overstepped his authority. The ruling clarified that, under the US Constitution, only Congress can impose tariffs or taxes. Despite the decision, the court has delayed its implementation until October 14, allowing the Trump administration to appeal to the Supreme Court.