Meet Arun Subramanian: Indian-American judge who sentenced Sean 'Diddy' Combs to 50 months

Meet Judge Arun Subramanian

Indian-American Judge Arun Subramanian, the first South Asian appointed to Manhattan’s federal bench, told Sean “Diddy” Combs in court that the 50-month sentence reflected only the crimes for which he was convicted. Known for his calm authority and meticulous approach, Subramanian has built a reputation for delivering firm yet balanced rulings.

The high-profile sentencing highlighted Subramanian’s ability to manage complex cases with both precision and fairness. Colleagues and attorneys describe him as “adaptable yet firm,” capable of maintaining decorum while ensuring that the legal process is clear and transparent.

During the trial, he commended defense lawyers for sharp courtroom moments but swiftly corrected any behavior he deemed inappropriate, emphasizing, “This courtroom is about law, not theatrics.”

Who is Arun Subramanian? 

At 45, Subramanian is among the youngest and most closely watched federal judges in New York. Appointed to the bench by President Joe Biden in 2022, he has quickly earned a reputation for balancing strict adherence to procedure with a human approach that eases tension in the courtroom.

Observers have noted his subtle use of humor to put jurors at ease, such as when he lightened the mood during jury selection with a quip about celebrity references, joking, “I felt like I was reading an appendix from The Lord of the Rings.”

Beyond the Diddy case, Subramanian is overseeing other significant trials, including the Justice Department’s antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation, set for 2026, and various employment and defamation cases.

His approach reflects a jurist who can navigate high-pressure, high-visibility litigation while maintaining fairness, clarity, and authority.

Subramanian’s style, firm, meticulous, and occasionally lighthearted, has drawn attention from both the legal community and the public, reinforcing his status as a modern federal judge capable of managing landmark cases with balance and precision. His handling of the Diddy sentencing underscores this reputation, demonstrating a commitment to ensuring that justice is applied consistently and without spectacle.