New Delhi: The Government of India has formally notified the appointment of Justice Sujoy Paul as the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, marking a key judicial development in one of the country’s oldest high courts.
Justice Sujoy Paul Appointment: Notification Made Official
On January 14, 2026, the Ministry of Law and Justice issued an official notification approving Justice Sujoy Paul’s appointment as Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court under Article 217(1) of the Constitution of India. The notification clarifies that the appointment is made by the President of India after consultation with the Chief Justice of India (CJI) — a constitutional requirement.
Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal shared the update on X (formerly Twitter), emphasizing that Justice Paul will assume office from the date he formally takes charge.
Who is Justice Sujoy Paul
Justice Sujoy Paul, an experienced jurist, has over three decades of legal and judicial experience:
Born: June 21, 1964.
Legal Practice: Enrolled with the Bar Council of Madhya Pradesh in 1990, practiced civil, constitutional, industrial, and service law.
Judicial Appointments
- Judge, Madhya Pradesh High Court – May 27, 2011; became permanent judge in April 2014.
- Judge, Telangana High Court – March 26, 2024 after a transfer that he requested for personal reasons.
- Judge, Calcutta High Court – Took oath on July 18, 2025.
Acting Chief Justice: Served as Acting Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court since September 2025 prior to formal appointment.
Experience & Expertise
Justice Paul’s career reflects extensive experience across multiple legal domains, courtroom advocacy, and high court adjudication.
His leadership during his stint as Acting Chief Justice has been part of smooth judicial functioning at the Calcutta High Court.
Supreme Court Collegium’s Recommendation
Justice Paul’s appointment follows the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, during a meeting held on January 9, 2026.
The collegium — the highest judicial body responsible for recommending appointments and transfers of judges to the High Courts and Supreme Court — plays a critical constitutional role in upholding judicial independence.
Context: Calcutta High Court Leadership
The Calcutta High Court, established in 1862, is among India’s oldest and most prestigious High Courts. It has jurisdiction over West Bengal and the Union Territory of the Andaman & Nicobar Islands.
The role of Chief Justice is pivotal in supervising judicial administration, managing benches, and guiding the court’s direction on legal matters of regional and national importance.
Justice Paul’s formal appointment brings stability to the institution after his period as Acting Chief Justice and continues the tradition of leadership in the judiciary.
