Justice Joymalya Bagchi Takes Oath As Supreme Court Judge

Justice Joymalya Bagchi was sworn in as a judge of the Supreme Court on Monday. Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna administered the oath to Justice Bagchi at a full court ceremony held in the first court.

On March 10, the Union approved the appointment of Calcutta High Court judge Mr Justice Joymalya Bagchi as a Judge of the Supreme Court.

The Collegium recommended Justice Bagchi for elevation on March 6. The Collegium considered the fact that after the retirement of Mr. Justice Altamas Kabir on 18th July 2013 as Chief Justice of India, there has not been any Chief Justice of India from the High Court at Calcutta.

On the retirement of Mr. Justice K.V. Viswanathan on 25th May 2031, Mr. Justice Joymalya Bagchi would be in line to assume office as the Chief Justice of India till his retirement on 02nd October 2031. Mr. Justice Joymalya Bagchi would have a tenure of more than six years before he assumes the office of CJI.

The Collegium has also taken into consideration the fact that, at present, the Bench of the Supreme Court is represented by only one Judge from the High Court at Calcutta. Mr. Justice Joymalya Bagchi stands at Sl. No. 11 in the combined all-India seniority of High Court Judges, including Chief Justices.

With the appointment of Justice Bagchi, the Supreme Court has one vacancy remaining out of a strength of 34 judges.