Justice Sujoy Paul Sworn In as Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court
Justice Sujoy Paul was formally sworn in as the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court on Friday, marking a new chapter for one of India’s oldest constitutional courts. His appointment comes at a time when the judiciary is under increasing public scrutiny for timely justice delivery, institutional efficiency, and maintaining public trust in the rule of law.
The oath of office was administered by West Bengal Governor C V Ananda Bose at a ceremony held in Courtroom No. 1 of the Calcutta High Court. The event was attended by sitting and former judges, senior advocates, judicial officers, and members of the state government, reflecting the institutional significance of the occasion.
Justice Paul will serve as Chief Justice for nearly six months, until his retirement in June this year.
Appointment Following Collegium Recommendation
Justice Paul’s appointment follows a recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium, which finalised the decision earlier this month. The central government subsequently issued a formal notification appointing him as the Chief Justice under Article 217(1) of the Constitution of India.
He had been functioning as the Acting Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court since October 8, following the retirement of his predecessor. His confirmation as Chief Justice brings continuity to the court’s leadership during this transitional period.
Legal observers note that such short tenures are not uncommon in the higher judiciary, yet they often place added responsibility on the incumbent to ensure administrative stability and judicial efficiency within a limited timeframe.
Swearing-In Ceremony and Address to the Bar
During the oath-taking ceremony, Justice Paul addressed members of the legal fraternity and court staff, reflecting on his professional journey and personal influences. He acknowledged the support he had received from the Bar since assuming charge as Acting Chief Justice.
“I shall devote every effort for maintaining the purity and efficiency of this institution,” he said, underlining his commitment to upholding judicial standards and institutional integrity.
The Chief Justice also spoke about the values that shaped his life and career, offering a rare personal insight during an otherwise formal judicial event.
A Personal Journey Shaped by Resilience
Justice Paul paid tribute to his mother, Manjushri Paul, who was present in the courtroom during the ceremony. He recalled being raised by her as a single parent after losing his father at a very young age.
Describing her as both his first teacher in life and his class teacher at school, he credited her discipline and dedication for shaping his character. His mother served as an assistant teacher in a government school and is a recipient of the President’s Award, a fact Justice Paul highlighted with visible emotion.
Members of the legal fraternity described the moment as a reminder of the human stories behind judicial offices, often hidden behind formal designations and robes.
Educational Background and Legal Career
Born in June 1964 in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, Justice Paul completed his schooling at Pandit L S Jha Model Higher Secondary School. He went on to earn his graduation, post-graduation, and law degrees from Rani Durgavati University, Jabalpur.
He enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Madhya Pradesh in 1990 and built a wide-ranging legal practice over two decades. His work spanned civil, constitutional, industrial, and service law, with regular appearances before trial courts, high courts, and other judicial forums.
In May 2011, he was elevated as a judge of the Madhya Pradesh High Court and was confirmed as a permanent judge in April 2014.
Judicial Experience Across Multiple High Courts
Justice Paul’s judicial career has included service across several high courts, giving him exposure to diverse legal and administrative environments. After more than a decade at the Madhya Pradesh High Court, he was transferred to the Telangana High Court, where he took oath as a judge in March 2024.
In July 2025, he was transferred to the Calcutta High Court. Within a few months of his arrival, he assumed the role of Acting Chief Justice following the retirement of the previous Chief Justice.
Legal experts say such inter-state transfers help broaden judicial experience and promote uniformity in judicial administration across high courts.
Political and Institutional Reactions
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee congratulated Justice Paul on his appointment, extending her welcome and expressing confidence in his leadership of the High Court. Her message emphasised the importance of the judiciary’s role in safeguarding constitutional values and citizens’ rights.
Senior advocates and bar associations also welcomed his confirmation, noting his approachable style and administrative clarity during his tenure as Acting Chief Justice.
Challenges and Expectations Ahead
Justice Paul takes charge at a time when the Calcutta High Court continues to face a heavy backlog of cases, alongside growing expectations for faster dispute resolution and greater use of technology in court processes.
Court watchers say his experience across multiple high courts could help in addressing administrative coordination and procedural efficiency. At the same time, the limited duration of his tenure places emphasis on consolidation rather than long-term reforms.
Looking Forward
As Justice Sujoy Paul formally assumes office as Chief Justice, attention will be on how the Calcutta High Court navigates pressing judicial and administrative challenges in the coming months. While his tenure may be brief, his emphasis on institutional purity, cooperation with the Bar, and efficient functioning signals a steady approach to leadership.
The legal community will be watching closely as the High Court continues its role as a key pillar of justice in West Bengal and the eastern region.
