The Central government on Monday approved the elevation of Calcutta High Court Justice Joymalya Bagchi to the Supreme Court.

Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal shared the update on X, confirming Justice Joymalya Bagchi's elevation.

The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended his name for appointment on March 6.

Justice Joymalya Bagchi was appointed as a judge of the Calcutta High Court on June 27, 2011. He was later transferred to the Andhra Pradesh High Court on January 4, 2021, before being repatriated to the Calcutta High Court on November 8, 2021, where he has been serving since. 

With over 13 years of judicial experience, Justice Bagchi is set to have a significant tenure of more than six years at the Supreme Court. He is expected to become the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in May 2031, following the retirement of Justice KV Viswanathan. However, his tenure as CJI will be brief, as he is scheduled to retire in October 2031.  

Justice Bagchi will be the first Chief Justice of India from Calcutta since the late CJI Altamas Kabir, who retired in 2013. 

Following his appointment, the Supreme Court, which has a sanctioned strength of 34 judges, will be left with just one vacancy.