While Justice Bagchi's competence and integrity are not in question, his selection over ten senior judges, including eight Chief Justices, has reignited concerns over the Collegium’s appointment process.

Justice Bagchi ranks 11th in all-India seniority among High Court judges, yet the Collegium chose to overlook several more senior candidates. 

Notably, four senior judges from his own parent High Court—Justice Biswanath Somadder, Justice Indra Prasanna Mukerji, Justice Harish Tandon, and Justice Soumen Sen—were bypassed. 

Some of them are already serving as Chief Justices of other High Courts, a position traditionally seen as a stepping stone to the Supreme Court. 

The Collegium cited a lack of representation from the Calcutta High Court, despite senior judges from the same High Court being available for elevation. 

At present, only one Supreme Court judge, Justice Dipankar Datta, hails from the Calcutta High Court.

While the Collegium claims to evaluate “merit, integrity, and competence,” its latest decision shows the opaque nature of judicial appointments. 

The exclusion of senior judges without a clear explanation only adds to the perception that Supreme Court elevations are driven by factors beyond judicial experience.