Calcutta High Court Judge Justice Joymalya Bagchi Set To Be Sworn In As Supreme Court Judge

New Delhi: Justice Joymalya Bagchi, a judge of the Calcutta High Court, is set to be sworn in as a Supreme Court judge on Monday. Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna will administer the oath of office to Justice Bagchi in the presence of other Supreme Court judges at a ceremony on the apex court premises. Justice Bagchi's illustrious career, spans over three decades, and after taking oath, she will be the 33rd judge of the Supreme Court against its sanctioned strength of 34. 

Justice Bagchi will have a tenure of more than six years in the top court, during which he may also serve as the Chief Justice of India (CJI). Born on October 3 in 1966, Justice Bagchi may assume the office of CJI upon the retirement of Justice KV Viswanathan on May 25 in 2031. His tenure will last till his retirement on October 2 in 2031.

Justice Bagchi's name was cleared by the central government on March 10 for appointment as a Supreme Court judge. On March 6, a five-member collegium headed by CJI Khanna recommended his name for Supreme Court judgeship. The collegium noted that no Calcutta High Court judge had risen to become the CJI since the retirement of Justice Altamas Kabir on July 18 in 2013.

Justice Bagchi's Distinguished Career

Justice Bagchi was appointed a judge in the Calcutta High Court on June 27 in 2011. He was transferred to the Andhra Pradesh High Court on January 4 in 2021, and repatriated to the Calcutta High Court on November 8 in 2021. He has served as a high court judge for more than 13 years and stands at serial number 11 in the combined all-India seniority of high court judges, including chief justices.

During his long tenure, Justice Bagchi acquired experience in diverse fields of law. His judgments have reflected a deep understanding of constitutional principles, a strong commitment to justice, and a keen focus on safeguarding fundamental rights.

Road To Becoming CJI

Justice Bagchi's appointment as a Supreme Court judge is a big step towards his eventual elevation as the CJI. His tenure as CJI will be marked by major challenges and opportunities. As the head of the Indian judiciary, Justice Bagchi will play a crucial role in shaping the country's legal affairs. 

In recent years, the Indian judiciary has faced several challenges, including a huge backlog of cases, inadequate infrastructure, and concerns about judicial independence. As CJI, Justice Bagchi will be expected to address these challenges and ensure that the judiciary remains a beacon of hope for the common man.