Outgoing Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court, Justice T S Sivagnanam, on Monday highlighted the urgent need for more judicial appointments to tackle the mounting burden on the court’s sitting judges.
Speaking on his last working day, Justice Sivagnanam revealed that 17 names from the practising Bar at the Calcutta High Court have been recommended for elevation to the Bench. “If ten out of the 17 come through, it will be a good addition for the high court,” he said, emphasising that additional strength would greatly help in the speedy disposal of cases.
The Calcutta High Court, with a sanctioned strength of 72 judges, currently functions with only 45. Justice Sivagnanam reiterated that the shortage adds significant pressure on the existing judges, and timely appointments would be crucial in ensuring efficiency.
Following his retirement, Justice Soumen Sen has become the seniormost judge of the Calcutta High Court. A permanent Chief Justice is yet to be appointed as Justice Sivagnanam’s successor.
Reflecting on his tenure, he said he did not face much difficulty in adapting to the Calcutta High Court system, owing to his experience in another chartered high court — Madras. He also recalled the substantial work done by the State Legal Services Authority during his executive chairmanship, which earned recognition from the National Legal Services Authority.
Born on September 16, 1963, Justice Sivagnanam enrolled with the Bar Council of Tamil Nadu in 1986. He was appointed as an additional judge of the Madras High Court in March 2009 and made permanent in March 2011. He joined the Calcutta High Court in October 2021 and was elevated as its Chief Justice in May 2023.
Marking the end of his judicial career, Justice Sivagnanam said he had “no regrets” and was yet to decide on the next phase of his life. “I take things as they come,” he remarked.
