A distinguished member of the Supreme Court of India, Justice N. Kotiswar Singh's career reflects a deep commitment to justice and legal service. From his early education in Manipur and West Bengal to his elevation to the highest court, his journey is marked by diverse experiences and significant contributions to the Indian judiciary.
Born in Imphal, Manipur, Justice Singh received his foundational education there before moving to Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith in West Bengal. He completed his Pre University Course in Science at St. Anthony’s College, Shillong, and graduated with a B.A. (Hons.) in Political Science from Kirori Mal College, Delhi University, in 1983. He then obtained his law degree (L.L.B.) from Campus Law Centre, Delhi University, in 1986.
Enrolling as an Advocate in 1986, Justice Singh briefly practiced in the Supreme Court of India before shifting to the Gauhati High Court. His practice extended to the Central Administrative Tribunal, Guwahati, and subordinate courts in Manipur. He served as Standing Counsel for various Government Departments and public undertakings in Manipur and appeared before numerous Commissions of Inquiry.
Designated as a Senior Advocate by the Gauhati High Court in 2008, he served as the Advocate General of Manipur from 2007 until his elevation to the Bench.
Justice Singh was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Gauhati High Court in 2011 and became a Judge in 2012. In 2013, he was appointed to the Manipur High Court upon its creation. He served as Acting Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur multiple times between 2017 and 2018.
His commitment to legal education and international judicial cooperation is evident through his participation in various international forums, including the World Congress on Justice for Children at UNESCO, Paris, and workshops on counter-terrorism in Washington DC and California. He also attended the International Organisation for Judicial Training Conference in Ottawa, Canada, and a regional judicial dialogue in the Maldives.
Upon his transfer to the Gauhati High Court in 2018, Justice Singh served as the Executive Chairperson of the Nagaland and Assam State Legal Services Authorities. He was also a Member of the Central Authority of the National Legal Services Authority and the Governing Body of the National Judicial Academy, Bhopal.
He performed the duties of the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court on several occasions before being elevated as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh in 2023.
Justice N. Kotiswar Singh was elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on July 18, 2024, marking the culmination of a distinguished career dedicated to upholding justice and the rule of law.
