R.N. Ravi's oath-taking as the 22nd Governor of West Bengal captured public attention not just due to its political significance but also because of the attire worn by Chief Justice Sujoy Paul. The ceremony, held at Raj Bhawan in Kolkata, featured Paul donning a red gown and a wig reminiscent of the British colonial era, which became a hot topic on social media. Many observers commented on the symbolism and the retention of such colonial traditions in modern Indian governance, questioning their relevance in contemporary society.

This isn’t the first time Sujoy Paul has worn this attire; he had donned a similar gown and wig earlier in January during his own swearing-in as the Chief Justice of Calcutta High Court. This attire, steeped in history, is part of a legal tradition linked to the British judicial system established in the 17th century. While the tradition continues, it raises questions about the persistence of colonial-era customs in India’s judiciary and governance, indicating a complex relationship with colonial history.

Public reaction on social media has ranged from humor to criticism, highlighting the ongoing debate about colonial legacies in Indian institutions. As society moves towards modernity, discussions around such traditional elements bring out differing perspectives on how the past influences present practices in Indian legal and political spheres.