In a landmark moment for the judiciary and the state of Manipur, Justice N Kotiswar Singh, Chief Justice of the High Court for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, has been appointed as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India. This historic appointment, confirmed on Tuesday, makes Justice Singh the first individual from Manipur to ascend to the apex court.
Justice Singh's legal pedigree runs deep. His father, N Ibotombi Singh, was a former Judge of the Gauhati High Court and the first Advocate General of Manipur. Born on March 1, 1963, Justice Singh's early education was at Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith in Purulia. He later graduated from Kirori Mal College in 1983 and earned his LL.B. from Delhi University in 1986.
Justice Singh's judicial career began when he was appointed as a Judge of the Gauhati High Court on October 17, 2011. Following the establishment of the High Court of Manipur in 2013, he was transferred there. He has also served multiple terms as the Acting Chief Justice of both the Gauhati High Court and the Manipur High Court. In February 2023, he was appointed as the Chief Justice of the High Court for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The Supreme Court Collegium highlighted Justice Singh's impeccable judicial record and administrative contributions in their recommendation. "Mr. Justice N Kotiswar Singh has an impeccable record, both in judicial capacity and in terms of the work which has been rendered by him on the administrative side, as the Chief Justice of the High Court for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh," the Collegium stated. They emphasized his suitability based on his judicial performance, administrative acumen, integrity, and merit.
Justice Singh's appointment is also seen as a step towards providing greater representation to the Northeast in the Supreme Court. His ascension to the highest court marks a proud moment for Manipur and underscores his distinguished career in the Indian judiciary.
