India has a rich and diverse legal history, with several prominent courts that play a vital role in maintaining justice. Among them, one high court holds a special place as the oldest, with a significant impact on our country’s legal system. This article will explore the history, significance and contributions of this historical court.
Oldest High Court in India
The Calcutta High Court, located in Kolkata, West Bengal, is the oldest High Court in India. It was set up in 1862 during British rule and has a long and rich history. Over the years, this court has played an important role in shaping India’s judicial system and continues to be one of the most respected institutions of justice in the country.
History of the Calcutta High Court
The Calcutta High Court was established on July 1, 1862, under the High Courts Act of 1861. It was originally was known as the High Court of Judicature at Fort William. The court was created after the Supreme Court of Judicature at Fort William. The building was designed by Walter Long Bozzi Granville and is inspired by the Lakenhal (Cloth Hall) in Ypres, Belgium.
Changes in Name
Although the city of Calcutta officially became Kolkata in 2001, the High Court retained the old name. In 2016, there were talks of renaming it to Kolkata High Court, but the Bill to make this change has not been passed by Parliament yet.
Jurisdiction and Benches
The principal seat of the Calcutta High Court is in Kolkata, the capital of West Bengal. The court’s jurisdiction covers not only West Bengal but also the Union Territory of the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. In 1950, its jurisdiction was expanded to include Chandernagore (now Chandannagar) and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands.
The court has extended its benches to other areas. It has a Circuit Bench in Port Blair (Andaman and Nicobar Islands) and another one in Jalpaiguri, West Bengal, which serves five districts in the North Bengal region. The Jalpaiguri bench was officially opened in 2019.
Chief Justices of Calcutta High Court
- Current Chief Justice: T.S. Sivagnanam
- First Chief Justice: Sir Barnes Peacock
- First Indian Officiating Chief Justice: Justice Romesh Chandra Mitra
- First Permanent Chief Justice: Phani Bhushan Chakravartti
- Longest Serving Chief Justice: Justice Sankar Prasad Mitra
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