Justice Sibo Sanker Mishra’s journey from a humble background to a seasoned Advocate-on-Record of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India and finally to the judgeship of The Hon’ble High Court of Orissa; is a testament to the limitless possibilities that determination and true grit can unlock. He was enrolled as a lawyer in the year 1991 and became Advocate-on-Record of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India in the year 1998.
The educational odyssey of Justice Mishra began in Municipal High School, Jeypore of District Koraput, where he laid the foundation for his pursuit of knowledge. After completing his schooling, he pursued B.Sc. Honours Degree in Chemistry from erstwhile Vikram Dev College, Jeypore.
His humble journey in the legal education began at Jeypore Law College, where he completed his LLB degree. It was during this time that he recognized his calling for the legal field, inspired by the principles of justice and the enormous opportunity the field ensures to protect the voice of those who seldom have any voice. During this time, while studying law and understanding the implication of law in social dynamics, he showed his social and leadership skills to be elected as President in the student Union elections.
He embarked on a journey spanning years of hard work, dedication and perseverance, which culminated into a crowning achievement when he became Advocate-on-Record of the Hon’ble Supreme Court of India. With this distinction, he took on the responsibility of representing clients before the highest court of the land, seeking justice and upholding the Rule of Law.
His practice in the legal profession was not confined to the Hon’ble Supreme Court but extended to various district courts of Delhi, the High Courts across the country, various Tribunals like NCDRC, CAT, NCLT, NCLAT etc. He had been empanelled as counsel to represent the High Court of Orissa and the Government of Odisha before the Hon’ble Supreme Court. This role has allowed him to serve as an integral part of the State's legal apparatus, representing State Government’s interests before the Apex Court.
Throughout his career, he has been entrusted with the responsibility of serving as Special Counsel for various Government Departments, Government Agencies and Public Sector Undertakings (PSUs) before the Hon'ble Supreme Court. Various high-stake matters, including those as significant as the Babri Masjid Demolition case/Ram Janam Bhumi case, Graham Stain murder case and the territorial dispute between State of Odisha and Andhra Pradesh with regard to Kotia Group of Villages, have tested his legal acumen and commitment to the profession. More than 250 reported cases stand to his credit as lawyer from either side. He has assisted the Courts as Amicus Curiae in many matters. He is known for his humble conduct and witty remarks in the courtrooms as well as in the Bar.
As a member of the Bar, he has always been passionate about nurturing junior members of the Bar, encouraging them to think creatively and work diligently. Mentorship is a vital aspect of the profession and he always takes pride in playing a role in shaping the future of the junior legal community. Under his able guidance and mentorship, many junior members of Bar have become Advocates-on-Record in the Hon’ble Supreme Court and have established themselves in the Legal profession and Judicial services.
His personal life is enriched by his spouse, Prabhati Nayak Mishra, a seasoned Journalist with over 25 years of experience of covering the Hon’ble Supreme Court. Together, they share a deep appreciation for the complexities of law and the world of journalism. Beyond the courtroom and the newsroom, they share profound love for arts, particularly theatre and music. They are blessed with one son Anmol.
Justice Mishra believes in leading a simple, spiritual and balanced life, for which visiting temples and making obeisance to the deity is part of his daily routine.
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