In a swift move on Monday, the Union Government named Justice Soumen Sen as the Acting Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court. The appointment came just hours after the sitting Chief Justice, T. S. Sivagnanam, retired.
Justice Sen has been serving as a senior judge at the Calcutta High Court for several years. With Justice Sivagnanam’s superannuation on September 15, the top post briefly fell vacant, prompting this urgent appointment under Article 223 of the Constitution.
While the courtroom atmosphere remained largely formal, one official noted,
The bench observed, Continuity in judicial leadership is vital for smooth functioning."
By exercising powers under Article 223, the President of India appointed Justice Soumen Sen to perform the duties of Chief Justice of the Calcutta High Court until a permanent successor is named.