Who is Justice Joymalya Bagchi Sworn in as Supreme Court Judge, Set to Become CJI in 2031?

New Delhi: Justice Joymalya Bagchi was sworn in as a judge of the Supreme Court on Monday, with Chief Justice of India (CJI) Sanjiv Khanna administering the oath.

Justice Bagchi is set to become the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in 2031.

His appointment as a judge of the Supreme Court comes a week after receiving approval from the Central Government.

A five-member collegium, headed by CJI Khanna and comprising Justices Bhushan R. Gavai, Surya Kant, Abhay S. Oka, and Vikram Nath, recommended his name for the position on March 6.

The collegium based its recommendation on merit, integrity, and judicial competence, along with considerations of regional representation and seniority.

It was noted that after the retirement of Justice Altamas Kabir on July 18, 2013, no judge from the Calcutta High Court had held the office of CJI.

With Justice Bagchi’s swearing-in, the Supreme Court now has 33 judges against its sanctioned strength of 34.

Who is Justice Joymalya Bagchi?

Born on October 3, 1966, Justice Bagchi hails from West Bengal. He is set to assume office as CJI after the retirement of Justice K.V. Viswanathan on May 25, 2031.

He will serve in the Supreme Court for over six years, including his tenure as Chief Justice of India. His retirement is scheduled for October 2, 2031.

He completed his schooling from Calcutta Boys’ School and further pursued a Law Degree from Calcutta University in 1991. 

Justice Bagchi began his career as an advocate at the West Bengal Bar Association.

One of his notable cases includes arguing before a special bench of the Calcutta High Court against the West Bengal government’s ban on Dwikhondito, a book authored by Bangladeshi writer Taslima Nasreen.

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

Judicial Career

2011: Appointed as a permanent judge of the Calcutta High Court.
January – November 2021: Briefly transferred to the Andhra Pradesh High Court.
November 2021 – 2024: Reinstated as a judge of the Calcutta High Court.
March 2024: Elevated to the Supreme Court.

With over 13 years of experience as a high court judge, he ranks 11th in all-India seniority among high court judges, including chief justices.

His expertise in civil, criminal, and constitutional law is expected to significantly contribute to the Supreme Court’s functioning in the coming years.