The Indian American Judge Who Presided Over the Trial of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and Put Him Away for 50 Months in Federal Prison

When U.S. District Judge Arun Subramanian sentenced hip-hop mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs to 50 months in federal prison on Friday, October 3, 2025, he was exercising the authority of one of the nation’s most prestigious judicial positions—and making history as the first South Asian American judge to preside over such a high-profile case in the Southern District of New York.

The sentence came after a nearly two-month sex abuse and racketeering trial that ended in July with the jury clearing Combs of the most serious charges but convicting him on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution, according to The Washington Post.

From Pittsburgh to the Federal Bench

Arun Srinivas Subramanian was born in 1979 in Pittsburgh to a Tamil family from India. His father worked as a control systems engineer while his mother was a bookkeeper. This immigrant family background would later make his judicial appointment particularly significant for representation in the federal judiciary.

He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Case Western Reserve University in 2001 and a Juris Doctor from Columbia Law School in 2004. Immediately after law school, from 2004 to 2005, he served as a law clerk to Judge Dennis Jacobs of the United States Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, providing him with invaluable experience in federal jurisprudence early in his career.

A Historic Confirmation

On September 6, 2022, President Biden nominated Subramanian to the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York. When confirmed on March 7, 2023, he became the first South Asian judge in SDNY, one of the most prestigious and powerful federal courts in the nation.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer celebrated the milestone: “We have confirmed Arun Subramanian as an SDNY judge. He’s a son of Indian immigrants and the 1st South Asian-American judge confirmed to SDNY—which has one of the largest South Asian-American populations in the country. He’s dedicated his career to fighting for people,” according to Latest Laws.

The Southern District of New York, often called the “Mother Court,” has jurisdiction over Wall Street, major media companies, and frequently serves as the venue for high-profile criminal and civil cases. Appointment to this court represents one of the highest achievements in the American legal system.

The Diddy Case: Navigating Celebrity and Justice

The Sean “Diddy” Combs case presented Subramanian with one of his most challenging assignments since taking the bench. A jury acquitted Combs of racketeering and sex trafficking charges on July 2, but convicted him on two lesser counts of transporting former girlfriends for prostitution.

The sentence represented a middle ground between prosecution and defense requests, reflecting the judicial temperament expected in high-profile cases with intense public scrutiny.

In the days leading up to sentencing, Judge Subramanian rejected Combs’ request for a new trial and his demand for an acquittal. Subramanian said the prosecution provided “overwhelming evidence” of Diddy’s guilt on the transportation charges.

Federal prosecutors asked for more than 11 years, according to NPR. The defense sought no more than 14 months, including time already served. In his prepared remarks before sentencing, Combs told Subramanian: “I can’t change the past, but I can change the future,” according to NBC News.

Judge Subramanian sentenced Combs to what he called “hard time”—4 years and 2 months. Since Combs has already served one year, he will likely serve about another three years, Fox 5 New York reported. The sentence represented a middle ground between prosecution and defense requests, reflecting the judicial temperament expected in high-profile cases with intense public scrutiny.

Judicial Approach

Subramanian’s handling of the case provides insights into his judicial philosophy. His rejection of post-trial motions citing “overwhelming evidence” suggests careful evaluation of the factual record. The balanced sentencing decision indicates consideration of both the severity of crimes and mitigating factors.

District Judge Subramanian gave legal instructions to the jury during Combs’ sex trafficking trial in New York on June 30, 2025, guiding the jury through complex legal questions throughout the trial.

Attorneys for Diddy said they have a strong basis to appeal the sentence, which they described as excessive given the split verdict, according to NBC News. This means Subramanian’s decision will face appellate review.

The Significance of Representation

Subramanian’s appointment carries weight beyond individual achievements. For the South Asian American community, particularly in New York which has one of the largest South Asian populations in the country, his presence on the federal bench represents meaningful progress in diversifying the judiciary.

His confirmation filled the seat vacated by Judge Alison Nathan, who was elevated to the United States Circuit Court of Appeal for the Second Circuit, according to the Alliance for Justice.

As judges in SDNY handle some of the most consequential cases in American law—from major securities fraud prosecutions to terrorism cases, from civil rights litigation to high-profile celebrity trials—Subramanian’s role exemplifies both the challenges and responsibilities of this position.

A Legacy in Progress

From Pittsburgh to Manhattan, Judge Arun Subramanian’s journey reflects the evolving face of American justice. His measured approach to the Combs case—neither as harsh as prosecutors sought nor as lenient as the defense requested—suggests a commitment to following evidence and law rather than yielding to external pressures.

As the first South Asian American judge in the Southern District of New York, Subramanian represents not just individual achievement but also the ongoing diversification of the American judiciary. His career on the federal bench has only just begun, with the Combs case serving as an early but significant chapter in what will likely be a long tenure in one of the nation’s most important courts.

Top image, screen grab of Judge Subramanian casually leaving the court in New York City in June. This story was aggregated by AI from several news reports and edited by American Kahani’s News Desk.