Meet Justice N. Kotiswar Singh and his Notable Judicial decisions
- ByPravleen Kaur --
- 17 Jun 2025 --
- 0 Comments
Justice Nongmeikapam Kotiswar Singh, born on March 1, 1963, in Imphal, Manipur, is a sitting judge of the Supreme Court of India, having assumed office on July 18, 2024. He holds the distinction of being the first judge from Manipur to be elevated to the Supreme Court, marking a significant moment for representation from the North-East region in the nation’s highest judiciary.
Background and Career
Justice Kotiswar Singh comes from a distinguished legal family; his father, Justice N. Ibotombi Singh, served as a judge of the Gauhati High Court and was the first Advocate General of Manipur. Justice Singh completed his early education in West Bengal and Shillong, graduated with a B.A. (Hons.) in Political Science from Kirori Mal College, Delhi University, and obtained his LL.B. from Campus Law Centre, Delhi University in 1986. After a brief stint practicing in the Supreme Court, he shifted to the Gauhati High Court, where he handled civil, criminal, constitutional, and service matters.
He served as the Advocate General of Manipur before his elevation to the bench and was designated a Senior Advocate by the Gauhati High Court in 2008. Justice Singh has held several key judicial positions: Additional Judge and Judge of the Gauhati High Court, Judge and Acting Chief Justice of the Manipur High Court, and Chief Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court.
Landmark Judgments and Contributions
Justice Kotiswar Singh is recognized for his progressive and rights-oriented approach, especially during his tenure in the North-East and Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Courts. While specific Supreme Court judgments authored by him are still forthcoming due to his recent elevation, his legacy in the High Courts is notable:
Protection of Fundamental Rights: Justice Singh has consistently emphasized the protection of fundamental rights and due process, particularly in conflict-prone and sensitive regions. His judgments have often balanced state security concerns with individual liberties, ensuring that constitutional safeguards are not compromised.
Legal Services and Access to Justice: As Executive Chairperson of the Assam and Nagaland State Legal Services Authorities, he played a key role in expanding legal aid and access to justice for marginalized communities in the North-East.
Administrative Law and Good Governance: Justice Singh has presided over several cases involving administrative transparency, service law, and the accountability of public officials, reinforcing the principles of good governance and fair administrative action.
Social Justice and Representation: His judgments have frequently addressed issues of social justice, minority rights, and equitable representation, reflecting his commitment to inclusivity and diversity in the legal system.
Judicial Training and International Engagement: Justice Singh has contributed to judicial education as a member of the National Judicial Academy and participated in international forums on justice for children and counter-terrorism, reflecting his engagement with contemporary legal challenges.
Judicial Philosophy
Justice Kotiswar Singh’s judicial philosophy centers on upholding constitutional values, protecting individual rights, and ensuring justice is accessible to all, especially in underrepresented regions. His elevation to the Supreme Court is seen as a step toward greater diversity and regional representation in India’s apex judiciary, and his future judgments are anticipated to further these ideals.
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