'Pride Comes Before Fall': Chief Justice Biswanath Somadder Retires From Sikkim High Court After Four-Year Tenure

Chief Justice Biswanath Somadder retired as the Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court on 14 December 2025.

Justice Somadder was elevated as a Judge of the Calcutta High Court in 2006. In his extempore farewell address, Justice Somadder reflected on his judicial journey with warmth and humour. Recalling his transfers across High Courts, he remarked that he had always viewed them as “upgradations” — from the plains of the Allahabad High Court, to the hills of the Meghalaya High Court, and finally to the mountains of the Sikkim High Court.

Speaking of his four-year tenure in Sikkim, Justice Somadder described himself as a “team leader” and noted the collective growth of the High Court during this period. He drew attention to the India Justice Report, which ranked Sikkim as the leading performer among smaller States, observing that this achievement would not have been possible without the cooperation and commitment of all stakeholders within the High Court.

In a reflective moment during his farewell address, Justice Somadder stated that he had never let pride come in his way, adding that he had never altered or tinkered with the narratives of others to consolidate his career. He stressed that integrity and courage were the core values that must define the judicial role, observing that judges should be shaped by these principles.

Speaking about regrets, Justice Somadder quoted Frank Sinatra, reciting lines from the song 'My Way' to underline his approach to both life and the law:

“Regrets, I've had a few

But then again, too few to mention

I did what I had to do

And saw it through without exemption.”

Concluding his address, Justice Somadder expressed gratitude to all those who had accompanied him through his tenure, including the judges, members of the Bar, court staff, and administrative personnel of the Sikkim High Court. He also acknowledged what he described as the “forces of nature” for granting him the opportunity to serve in Sikkim, reflecting on the privilege of working in the State and the deep sense of fulfilment it brought him.

The full recording of Justice Somadder's farewell address is available here.