Justice Joymalya Bagchi Appointed to Supreme Court, Set to Become Chief Justice of India in 2031

New Delhi: The Central Government has approved the appointment of Justice Joymalya Bagchi as a judge of the Supreme Court, marking a significant addition to the country’s highest judicial institution. Justice Bagchi is now in line to become the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in May 2031, following the retirement of Justice K V Viswanathan on May 25, 2031. However, his tenure as CJI will be relatively short, lasting just over four months until his retirement on October 2, 2031.

The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, along with Justices Bhushan R Gavai, Surya Kant, Abhay S Oka, and Vikram Nath, recommended Justice Bagchi’s appointment on March 6. His elevation helps strengthen the Supreme Court bench, which had been operating with 32 judges instead of the sanctioned 34.

Who is Justice Joymalya Bagchi?

Born in Calcutta on October 2, 1966, Justice Bagchi has had an illustrious legal career. He topped the LLB examinations in 1991 and graduated from Calcutta University, later enrolling as an advocate in November 1991. He began his legal practice at the Calcutta High Court, specializing in criminal and constitutional law.

During his tenure as an advocate, he gained recognition for his landmark arguments against the West Bengal government’s ban on Taslima Nasreen’s book “Dwikhondito” in 2003. He also represented various public authorities, including the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, the Kolkata Port Trust, and the Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation. His legal expertise also led him to serve as an empanelled advocate for both the Central and West Bengal governments.

Apart from his legal practice, Justice Bagchi contributed to legal education, serving as a part-time lecturer at the University of Calcutta’s law department and at Jogesh Chandra Choudhary College of Law. He has also authored several legal articles in prominent law journals.

Judicial Career and Supreme Court Appointment

Justice Bagchi was appointed as a judge of the Calcutta High Court in June 2011. His judicial career later saw him transferred to the Andhra Pradesh High Court in January 2021, before he was repatriated to the Calcutta High Court in November 2021. His extensive experience in criminal, constitutional, and administrative law played a key role in his selection for the Supreme Court.

His appointment is expected to bring valuable judicial insight to the Supreme Court, particularly in matters related to constitutional rights, public policy, and criminal jurisprudence. As he prepares to join the Supreme Court bench, his tenure will be closely watched for its impact on key legal decisions and future judicial reforms.