The Crossbill News Desk
After a five-year vacancy, the historic office of Sheriff of Kolkata has a new incumbent. National Award-winning filmmaker, actor and music director Goutam Ghose has been appointed Sheriff of Kolkata for 2026, with sources confirming that he received his official appointment letter on Friday.
The post of Sheriff is an apolitical and honorary position, conferred for a one-year term. The appointment is made by the Governor of West Bengal from a panel of three eminent citizens recommended by the Calcutta High Court.
Although the Sheriff is provided with an office and staff within the High Court premises, the role today is largely ceremonial and does not carry executive authority. Sources said the formal date of Ghose’s induction is yet to be finalised.
Known for maintaining distance from active politics, Ghose has long been associated with the city’s cultural and artistic life. Since 2024, he has also been closely involved in overseeing the Kolkata International Film Festival.
The position was last held by noted author Mani Shankar Mukherjee in 2019. Mukherjee passed away in February 2026. Over the decades, the office has been occupied by several prominent figures from the arts and sports, including actors Basanta Choudhury and Ranjit Mallick, poet Sunil Gangopadhyay, cricketer Pankaj Roy and footballer Chuni Goswami.
The office of Sheriff in Kolkata traces its origins to the British era. James Macrabey became the first to hold the title in 1775. Historically, the Sheriff functioned as an executive arm of the judiciary, overseeing the custody of prisoners and execution of court orders such as seizure of goods. By the mid-19th century, these powers were gradually withdrawn, transforming the office into the ceremonial post that exists today.
Along with Mumbai, Kolkata remains one of only two Indian cities to retain this colonial-era institution. Among key milestones in its history were Manekji Rustamji becoming the first Indian Sheriff in 1873 and singer Suchitra Mitra becoming the first woman to assume the role in 2001. The post had remained vacant from 2020 until 2025, making Ghose’s appointment a revival of a long-standing civic tradition.
The post of Sheriff is an apolitical and honorary position, conferred for a one-year term. The appointment is made by the Governor of West Bengal from a panel of three eminent citizens recommended by the Calcutta High Court.
Although the Sheriff is provided with an office and staff within the High Court premises, the role today is largely ceremonial and does not carry executive authority. Sources said the formal date of Ghose’s induction is yet to be finalised.
Known for maintaining distance from active politics, Ghose has long been associated with the city’s cultural and artistic life. Since 2024, he has also been closely involved in overseeing the Kolkata International Film Festival.
The position was last held by noted author Mani Shankar Mukherjee in 2019. Mukherjee passed away in February 2026. Over the decades, the office has been occupied by several prominent figures from the arts and sports, including actors Basanta Choudhury and Ranjit Mallick, poet Sunil Gangopadhyay, cricketer Pankaj Roy and footballer Chuni Goswami.
The office of Sheriff in Kolkata traces its origins to the British era. James Macrabey became the first to hold the title in 1775. Historically, the Sheriff functioned as an executive arm of the judiciary, overseeing the custody of prisoners and execution of court orders such as seizure of goods. By the mid-19th century, these powers were gradually withdrawn, transforming the office into the ceremonial post that exists today.
Along with Mumbai, Kolkata remains one of only two Indian cities to retain this colonial-era institution. Among key milestones in its history were Manekji Rustamji becoming the first Indian Sheriff in 1873 and singer Suchitra Mitra becoming the first woman to assume the role in 2001. The post had remained vacant from 2020 until 2025, making Ghose’s appointment a revival of a long-standing civic tradition.
Comments (0)
Leave a Comment