Justice Ashutosh Kumar formally assumed charge as the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court on Monday, marking a new chapter in the judiciary of one of the country’s most significant northeastern legal institutions.
In a ceremony held at Raj Bhavan, Assam Governor Gulab Chand Kataria administered the oath of office to Justice Kumar. The event was attended by top officials from the state government, senior judges, lawyers, and members of the legal fraternity.
Justice Kumar succeeds Justice Vijay Bishnoi, who was recently elevated to the Supreme Court. Before his elevation to the Gauhati High Court, Justice Kumar served as a senior judge of the Patna High Court, where he was known for his rulings on constitutional matters, civil liberties, and criminal jurisprudence.
Born in 1963, Justice Kumar began his legal career practicing at the Patna High Court and was appointed as a judge there in 2012. Over the years, he earned a reputation for his balanced judgments and judicial integrity.
Following the oath ceremony, Justice Kumar expressed his commitment to upholding the Constitution and strengthening access to justice across the northeastern states under the court’s jurisdiction. He also acknowledged the unique cultural and legal challenges of the region and emphasized the need for sensitivity, inclusivity, and prompt justice delivery.
Legal professionals and senior advocates in Guwahati welcomed his appointment, expressing hope that under his leadership, the High Court would see greater efficiency and reform in handling long-pending cases.
The Gauhati High Court, headquartered in Guwahati, serves Assam, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, and Mizoram. Justice Kumar’s tenure is expected to focus on both judicial backlog reduction and technological modernization of court systems.
With his appointment, the judiciary in the region anticipates a renewed momentum in legal reform and an emphasis on protecting constitutional rights amid evolving legal challenges
