Justice Sujoy Paul is currently serving as a judge of the Calcutta High Court, though his parent High Court is Madhya Pradesh. The Collegium considered his judicial experience, integrity, and competence before making the recommendation.
Justice Sujoy Paul
New Delhi: The Supreme Court Collegium has recommended the appointment of Justice Sujoy Paul as the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court.
The decision was taken during a Collegium meeting held on January 9, chaired by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant.
Justice Sujoy Paul is currently serving as a judge of the Calcutta High Court, though his parent High Court is Madhya Pradesh. The Collegium considered his judicial experience, integrity, and competence before making the recommendation.
The proposal will now be forwarded to the President of India for approval. Upon clearance, Justice Paul will formally take charge as the Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court.
Sonam Wangchuk Case Listed for Hearing
The Supreme Court is also scheduled to hear a petition related to social activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is presently detained under the National Security Act (NSA).
The plea, filed by his wife Geetanjali Angmo, challenges the detention and terms it an “arbitrary exercise of power.”
Additionally, petitions concerning the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in several states, including West Bengal, are listed before the court today.
Maharashtra Matters Before the Court
Two significant petitions from Maharashtra are also slated for hearing. One pertains to the issue of OBC reservation in local body elections, while another involves a criminal plea filed by gangster Abu Salem.
SC to Hear Suo Motu Case on Jail Conditions
The apex court has also taken suo motu cognizance of allegations regarding inhumane conditions in 1,382 prisons across the country. This matter will be heard today as part of the court’s weekly schedule.
Sunina Sharma Appointed Special Judge in Coal Scam Cases
In a separate development, the Supreme Court has appointed Sunina Sharma, an officer of the Delhi Higher Judicial Service, as a special judge to hear coal scam cases being investigated by the CBI.
The appointment follows the request of former Special CBI Judge Sanjay Bansal, who sought to step down after serving for eight months.
The Delhi High Court had proposed three names for the post, from which the Supreme Court selected Sunina Sharma. The court clarified that the High Court may replace her if required.
Who Will Hear the Coal Scam Cases Now?
With this appointment, both Special Judges Dheeraj Mor and Sunina Sharma will jointly hear all pending coal scam cases. Judge Mor had replaced Arjun Bhardwaj in April 2025.
SC Extends Deadline for Maharashtra Local Body Elections
The Supreme Court has extended the deadline for completing local body elections in Maharashtra by two weeks. The extension was granted after the State Election Commission cited pending elections in certain district councils and panchayats.
While earlier the deadline was January 31, 2026, the court allowed additional time and clarified that elections would proceed but remain subject to the final outcome of pending petitions, including those challenging reservation limits exceeding 50%.
