A novel Schiff base ligand (H2L) derived from the condensation of benzoyl hydrazine and salicylaldehyde and its metal complexes with Ru (III) ion has been synthesized and characterized by elemental analyses, thermal analysis (TGA), conductance measurements, magnetic moments IR, UV–vis spectra. The complexes were given the formulae [Ru(L-H)Cl2(H2O)] (1), [Ru(L-H)Cl2(py)] (2), [Ru(L-H)Cl2(2-pic)] (3), [Ru(L-H)Cl2(3-pic)] (4), [Ru(L-H)Cl2(4-pic)] (5). Molar conductance in DMF (N,N-dimethyl formamide) solution indicates that the complexes are non-electrolytes. Magnetic susceptibility measurements indicate that all the complexes are mononuclear and one-electron paramagnetic. Electronic spectral studies suggest six coordinate metal ions in its complexes. IR spectra reveal that H2L ligand coordinates in keto-form to ruthenium metal ion in its complexes. ESR studies of the complexes are also reported.