Justice Soumen Sen was sworn in as the 14th Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court at Raj Bhavan, Shillong. His appointment marks a new chapter in Meghalaya’s judiciary, emphasizing efficiency, transparency, and timely justice delivery.
Justice Soumen Sen was sworn in on Wednesday as the new Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court during a dignified ceremony at the Raj Bhavan in Shillong. Meghalaya Governor C.H. Vijayashankar administered the oath of office in the presence of several high-ranking dignitaries, marking a significant moment for the state’s judicial system.
The ceremony witnessed the attendance of Chief Minister Conrad K. Sangma, Leader of the Opposition Dr. Mukul Sangma, members of the state cabinet, senior officials, judges of the Meghalaya High Court, and leading members of the legal fraternity. The gathering reflected the importance of the occasion, underscoring the vital role of the judiciary in upholding justice and strengthening democratic institutions.
Justice Soumen Sen succeeds Justice Indra Prasanna Mukerji, who retired on September 5 upon reaching the age of superannuation. Following Justice Mukerji’s retirement, Justice Hamarsan Singh Thangkhiew had been serving as the Acting Chief Justice until the new appointment was finalized.
The event marks an important judicial transition as Justice Sen officially assumes charge as the 14th Chief Justice of the Meghalaya High Court. His appointment comes at a time when the judiciary continues to emphasize efficiency, transparency, and accessibility for all citizens.
Born in 1965 in Kolkata, Justice Soumen Sen has had a long and distinguished career in the legal field. A graduate of the University of Calcutta, he enrolled as an advocate in 1987 and soon established himself as a leading practitioner in civil, constitutional, and commercial law. Known for his meticulous approach and deep understanding of legal principles, Justice Sen earned widespread respect within the legal community.
His elevation to the Calcutta High Court bench came in 2011, where he served for more than a decade and briefly held the position of Acting Chief Justice. During his tenure at the Calcutta High Court, Justice Sen delivered several significant judgments that contributed to the development of Indian jurisprudence in areas such as property law, corporate governance, and constitutional interpretation.
Justice Sen’s transfer to Meghalaya was recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium earlier this year as part of a nationwide judicial reshuffle designed to strengthen leadership across High Courts. The Union Government later approved the recommendation, paving the way for his formal appointment.
With his vast experience and reputation for judicial integrity, Justice Sen is expected to bring renewed vigor to the Meghalaya High Court. His leadership is anticipated to focus on reducing case backlogs, promoting alternative dispute resolution mechanisms, and enhancing digital accessibility within court proceedings.
Legal experts believe that Justice Sen’s administrative acumen and commitment to timely justice will contribute significantly to improving judicial efficiency in Meghalaya. His tenure is also viewed as an opportunity to further reinforce the credibility of the state judiciary, particularly in addressing issues related to infrastructure, legal awareness, and public trust in the judicial process.
As he takes charge, Justice Sen’s vision is expected to align with the broader goal of the Indian judiciary—to ensure swift, fair, and transparent justice delivery. His leadership comes at a crucial juncture when High Courts across the nation are adopting technology-driven reforms and enhancing accessibility to justice for citizens from all walks of life.
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The appointment of Justice Soumen Sen thus marks not just a change in leadership but also a moment of renewal for the Meghalaya High Court. His experience from one of India’s oldest High Courts, coupled with his administrative foresight, is expected to guide Meghalaya’s judiciary toward a more responsive and modern justice system.
