The High Court of Judicature at Fort William, later to be known as Calcutta High Court, came into existence by the Letters Patent issued on this day under the High Court’s Act, 1861.

According to the Act, the Letters Patent, issued by Queen Victoria, would define the jurisdiction and powers of the high court.

The High Court of Judicature at Fort William formally opened on July 1, 1862. Sir Barnes Peacock was its first Chief Justice. On February 2, 1863, Sumboo Nath Pandit became the first Indian to be appointed a judge at the court.

A High Court of Judicature for the North-western Provinces was constituted at Agra by Letters Patent dated March 17, 1866. Oudh continued to remain under the Judicial Commissioner.

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