Justice N. Kotiswar Singh

Born at Imphal, Manipur, obtained primary education at Imphal, secondary education from Ramakrishna Mission Vidyapith, Purulia, West Bengal and Pre University Course in Science from St. Anthony’s College, Shillong. Graduated from Kirori Mal College, Delhi University with B.A. (Hons.) in Political Science in 1983, and obtained Degree in Law (L.L.B.) from Campus Law Centre, Delhi University in 1986. Enrolled as an Advocate in 1986. Attended the six months’ “Commonwealth Young Lawyers’ Course” under the University of London in 1992.

After a brief practice in the Supreme Court of India, shifted practice under the Gauhati High Court, the then common High Court of Assam, Nagaland, Meghalaya, Manipur, Tripura, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh. Also practiced in the Central Administrative Tribunal, Guwahati and the Subordinate Courts in Manipur. Was also the Standing Counsel for various Government Departments, Government of Manipur, and public undertakings/institutions. Also appeared before a number of Commissions in Manipur constituted under the Commission of Inquiry Act, 1952.

Designated as a Senior Advocate by the Gauhati High Court on 31.03.2008. Served as the Advocate General of the State of Manipur from 03.11.2007 till elevation to the Bench.

Sworn in as an Additional Judge of the Gauhati High Court on 17.10.2011 and as a Judge of the Gauhati High Court on 07.11.2012. Appointed as a Judge of the Manipur High Court upon its creation with effect from 23.03.2013. Appointed to perform the duties of the office of Chief Justice of the High Court of Manipur w.e.f 01.07.2017 till 08.02.2018 and again from 23.02.2018 till 17.05.2018.

Participated in the World Congress on Justice for Children from 28-30 May, 2018 at UNESCO, Paris. Was part of the 8 (eight) member High Court Judges’ Team to attend “Workshop on Counter Terrorism Phase-II Training” at Washington DC and Orange County, California from 10-14 September, 2018. Also participated in the International Organisation for Judicial Training Conference held in Ottawa, Canada from October 30 – November 03, 2022. Took part in the South Asia Regional Judicial Dialogue on the Bangkok General Guidance for Judges on Applying a General Perspective in South Asia held in Maldives on 28 – 29 May, 2022.

Upon transfer to Gauhati High Court from Manipur High Court, assumed charge as a Judge, Gauhati High Court on 11.10.2018. As a Judge of the Gauhati High Court functioned as the Executive Chairperson of the Nagaland State Legal Services Authority, and Assam State Legal Services Authority. During that period was also a Member of the Central Authority of National Legal Services Authority, and a Member of the Governing Body of National Judicial Academy, Bhopal.

Performed the duties of the office of the Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court w.e.f. 21.09.2020 to 09.01.2021, from 09.05.2022 to 22.06.2022 and from 12.01.2023 till elevation as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on 15.02.2023.

Elevated as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India on 18.07.2024.