The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended Justice Joymalya Bagchi of the Calcutta High Court for elevation to the Supreme Court. If appointed, Justice Bagchi would be in line to become the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in May 2031, following the retirement of Justice K.V. Viswanathan.
The recommendation, made on March 6, 2025, highlights the need for representation from the Calcutta High Court, which currently has only one sitting judge in the Supreme Court—Justice Dipankar Datta. The Collegium’s resolution, led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna, noted that no judge from the Calcutta High Court has served as CJI since the retirement of Justice Altamas Kabir in July 2013.
If confirmed, Justice Bagchi would serve in the Supreme Court for over six years before assuming the role of CJI. His tenure as Chief Justice, from May 25, 2031, until his retirement on October 2, 2031, would mark a significant moment for the judiciary in terms of regional representation.
Justice Bagchi was appointed as a judge of the Calcutta High Court on June 27, 2011. He later served in the Andhra Pradesh High Court following his transfer on January 4, 2021. He was subsequently repatriated to the Calcutta High Court on November 8, 2021, where he has been serving since.
With more than 13 years of judicial experience, Justice Bagchi has presided over numerous cases across a broad spectrum of legal matters. The Collegium noted that his vast experience makes him a strong candidate for the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court Collegium carefully evaluates seniority, expertise, and regional representation when making recommendations for elevation. Justice Bagchi ranks 11th in the all-India seniority list of High Court judges, including Chief Justices. The Collegium emphasized that his inclusion would enhance judicial diversity and expertise within the apex court.
Furthermore, his nomination aligns with the need to ensure fair representation from historically significant high courts, such as Calcutta, in the Supreme Court. His in-depth knowledge of constitutional law, criminal law, and civil matters further strengthens the justification for his elevation.
Justice Bagchi’s potential elevation will have long-term ramifications for the Indian judiciary. His experience handling complex legal issues will contribute to shaping key verdicts in the Supreme Court. His eventual appointment as CJI in 2031 will reinforce the importance of regional high courts in the national judicial framework.
Legal experts and senior advocates have welcomed the recommendation, citing Justice Bagchi’s jurisprudential contributions and leadership qualities. His tenure in different high courts has provided him with a unique perspective on judicial administration across states, which would benefit the Supreme Court’s functioning.
As the government reviews the Collegium’s recommendation, the legal community awaits confirmation of his appointment, which would mark a significant step toward balanced representation in India’s highest court.
