Arun Subramanian, an Indian-American judge, has recently presided over the high-profile case of Sean "Diddy" Combs, sentencing the music mogul to 50 months in prison. This sentencing marks a significant moment in Subramanian's career, highlighting his dedication to justice and his ability to handle complex and highly publicized trials.
Arun Srinivas Subramanian was born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, in 1979 to Tamil immigrant parents from India. His parents, who came to the United States in the early 1970s, instilled in him the values of education and public service. Subramanian excelled academically, earning a Bachelor of Arts degree from Case Western Reserve University in 2001 and a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School in 2004. During his time at Columbia, he was recognized as a James Kent and Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar and served as an Executive Articles Editor for the Columbia Law Review.
Subramanian's legal career began with prestigious clerkships, first for Judge Dennis Jacobs of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit. He then clerked for Judge Gerard E. Lynch of the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York and, subsequently, for Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg of the Supreme Court of the United States. These experiences provided him with invaluable insights into the workings of the American legal system and shaped his judicial philosophy.
Before his appointment to the bench, Subramanian worked at the law firm of Susman Godfrey LLP in New York City from 2007 to 2023, where he focused on commercial and bankruptcy law. He became a partner in the firm in 2011, becoming the firm's youngest partner at age 31. His work involved representing both major corporations and individual plaintiffs in a variety of cases, including antitrust and civil rights class actions. Subramanian has been credited with recovering over a billion dollars on behalf of victims of fraud and other unlawful conduct. He also dedicated a significant amount of time to pro bono work, representing indigent clients in litigation and handling appeals as court-appointed counsel.
In 2023, President Joe Biden appointed Subramanian as a United States District Judge for the Southern District of New York. He is the first South Asian to serve on this bench, a historic milestone for the court and the South Asian-American community. Since his appointment, Subramanian has presided over a number of significant cases, including the criminal trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs.
The Sean "Diddy" Combs case involved multiple charges, including racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs was indicted in September 2024 and pleaded not guilty to all charges. The trial, which began in May 2025, drew intense public scrutiny. Subramanian set a trial date and issued orders to maintain the integrity of the proceedings.
Ultimately, the jury found Combs not guilty of the most serious charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking, but convicted him on two counts of transportation for the purposes of prostitution, violating the Mann Act. On October 3, 2025, Subramanian sentenced Combs to 50 months in prison, followed by five years of supervised release, and imposed a $500,000 fine. In handing down the sentence, Subramanian emphasized the repeated nature of Combs' offenses and his history of violence toward former partners. He stated that the sentence aimed to send a message that "violence against women is met with real accountability". He also acknowledged the testimony of Cassie Ventura and another woman, known as "Jane," for their courage in standing up to power.
Subramanian's handling of the "Diddy" Combs case has been praised for his measured and firm approach. He has been described as adaptable yet firm, maintaining decorum in the courtroom while ensuring a fair trial. His ability to manage a high-profile case with intense public attention has solidified his reputation as a skilled and thoughtful judge.
Arun Subramanian's journey from his upbringing as the child of Indian immigrants to his position as a federal judge is a testament to his hard work, dedication, and commitment to justice. His sentencing of Sean "Diddy" Combs underscores his commitment to holding individuals accountable for their actions and sending a message that violence and exploitation will not be tolerated.
