In 1970 he joined the Government of Meghalaya on deputation and became the Law Secretary and Legal Remembrancer in January 1976.
He also served as part time lecturer in Shillong Law College as well as legal advisor of various corporations of the State.
[1] Phukan was elevated as permanent judge of the Gauhati High Court in 1985.
On 30 September 1994 he was transferred to Himachal Pradesh High Court as acting chief justice.
[2] Justice Phukan joined the Supreme Court of India as a Judge on 28 January 1999.