The legal history of Assam includes judges, chief justices, and legal figures important for Assam GK and competitive examinations. From Holiram Deka, the first Assamese Justice of the Gauhati High Court, to Ranjan Gogoi, the first Assamese to become Chief Justice of India, these personalities hold an important place in the state’s legal history.
Who Were the First Judges and Legal Personalities of Assam?
The legal personalities of Assam include judges of the Gauhati High Court, Supreme Court judges, chief justices, and early legal professionals. These legal personalities of Assam are useful for quick Assam GK revision.
| Personality | Important distinction |
| Sir R. F. Lodge | First Chief Justice of the Assam High Court |
| Justice Holiram Deka | First Assamese Justice of the Gauhati High Court; later Chief Justice |
| Justice Parbati Kumar Goswami | First judge from Assam to serve on the Supreme Court |
| Justice Meera Sarma | First woman judge of the Gauhati High Court |
| Justice Ranjan Gogoi | First Assamese and first person from Northeast India to become CJI |
| Anundoram Borooah | First barrister from Assam |
| Justice Banwari Lal Hansaria | Gauhati High Court judge who later served on the Supreme Court |
| Justice Sailendu Nath Phukan | Gauhati High Court judge who later became Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court |
Who Was the First Assamese to Become Chief Justice of India?
Justice Ranjan Gogoi became the first Assamese and the first person from Northeast India to serve as the Chief Justice of India. He was sworn in as the 46th Chief Justice of India on 3 October 2018.
He became a permanent judge of the Gauhati High Court in 2001 and later served as Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Who Was the First Female Judge of the Gauhati High Court?
Justice Meera Sarma is regarded as the first woman judge of the Gauhati High Court. Her appointment marked an important milestone for women in the higher judiciary of the Northeast. For students revising the legal personalities of Assam, her name should be remembered among the important firsts associated with the Gauhati High Court.
Which Was the First High Court of Assam?
The High Court of Assam was established with effect from 5 April 1948. It initially functioned from Shillong and was shifted to Guwahati on 14 August 1948.
The institution was renamed the Gauhati High Court in 1971. Today, it exercises jurisdiction over Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.
Who Was the First Chief Justice of the Assam High Court?
Sir R. F. Lodge was the first Chief Justice of the Assam High Court. He took office on 5 April 1948, when the court was inaugurated. He served until 1949 and authored the first judgment of the Assam High Court in Civil Revision No. 321/1948, Ali Laskar vs Arabjan Bibi.
Which Assamese Judge Was the First to Reach the Supreme Court?
Justice Parbati Kumar Goswami was the first judge from Assam to be appointed to the Supreme Court of India. He had earlier served as a judge and chief justice of the Gauhati High Court. He was appointed to the Supreme Court in 1980 and retired in 1983. He remains an important figure in Assam’s judicial history.
What Other Legal Personalities of Assam Should You Remember?
Several judges associated with Assam and the Gauhati High Court later held important positions in other high courts and the Supreme Court.
- Justice Banwari Lal Hansaria: Served as a permanent judge of the Gauhati High Court and later became a Supreme Court judge.
- Justice Sailendu Nath Phukan: Served on the Gauhati High Court, later became Chief Justice of the Himachal Pradesh High Court and was elevated to the Supreme Court.
- Justice D. Pathak: Served as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court and later became Chief Justice of the Orissa High Court.
- Justice Holiram Deka: Served as Chief Justice of the Gauhati High Court and was also known for his literary work.
Some Important Facts on the Judiciary History of Assam?
Here are some important facts on the judiciary history of Assam. Have a look
| Question | Answer |
| First High Court of Assam | High Court of Assam, established in 1948 |
| First Chief Justice | Sir R. F. Lodge |
| First Assamese Justice | Holiram Deka |
| First Assamese Chief Justice of Gauhati High Court | Holiram Deka |
| First woman judge | Meera Sarma |
| First judge from Assam in Supreme Court | Parbati Kumar Goswami |
| First Assamese CJI | Ranjan Gogoi |
| First barrister from Assam | Anundoram Borooah |
| Present jurisdiction of Gauhati High Court | Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh |
Why Should You Study Legal Personalities of Assam for Assam GK?
Questions about the judiciary can appear in Assam-focused competitive examinations, especially when the syllabus includes state history, administration, and important personalities. Learning the names along with their specific achievements is more effective than memorising isolated facts. Revise the first judges, chief justices, and Supreme Court judges together. Important dates include 5 April 1948, 1971, and 23 March 2013.
How Can You Remember These Legal Personalities of Assam for GK?
A simple revision method can help:
- R. F. Lodge – First Chief Justice
- Holiram Deka – First Assamese Justice and Chief Justice
- Meera Sarma – First woman judge
- Parbati Kumar Goswami – First Supreme Court judge from Assam
- Ranjan Gogoi – First Assamese CJI
- Anundoram Borooah – First barrister from Assam
Conclusion
The legal history of Assam includes several important milestones, from the establishment of the Assam High Court in 1948 to the elevation of Ranjan Gogoi as Chief Justice of India. The legal personalities of Assam discussed above are useful for Assam GK because their achievements represent important firsts in the state’s judicial history.
Frequently Asked Questions
When was the Gauhati High Court established?
The High Court of Assam was established with effect from 5 April 1948. It was later renamed the Gauhati High Court in 1971.
Who was the first Assamese to become the Chief Justice of India?
Justice Ranjan Gogoi was the first Assamese and the first person from Northeast India to become Chief Justice of India. He assumed office on 3 October 2018.
How many states come under Gauhati High Court?
The Gauhati High Court currently has jurisdiction over four states: Assam, Nagaland, Mizoram and Arunachal Pradesh.
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