Patna: Senior advocate Anshul Raj is all set to begin a new chapter in his legal journey as he takes oath as a judge of the Patna High Court on January 27. The oath-taking ceremony will be held at 10.30 am in the centenary building of the High Court. Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahu will administer the oath of office and secrecy to him. Many judges, lawyers and court officials are expected to be present at the event, making it an important day for the legal community in Bihar.
The appointment of Anshul Raj was officially confirmed on January 23, 2026, when the Ministry of Law and Justice issued a notification on behalf of President Draupadi Murmu. With his swearing-in, the total number of working judges in the Patna High Court will increase to 38. The court has 53 sanctioned posts, which means that even after his joining, 15 posts will still remain vacant. This shows that the High Court is still facing a shortage of judges, even though new appointments are being made.
Anshul Raj has spent many years practicing law at the Patna High Court and is a familiar face among lawyers and judges. After registering as an advocate, he began his legal career in the High Court and later worked as an assistant advocate with Arvind Ujjwal, who was the standing counsel for the Bihar government. Over time, Raj built a strong reputation while handling government cases and was later appointed as a law officer by the Bihar government. His work and dedication were recognised last year when the Patna High Court designated him as a senior advocate.
Raj comes from a family deeply connected to the legal profession. His father, Yogesh Chandra Verma, is also a senior advocate at the Patna High Court and is widely respected in legal circles. He has served several times as the president of the Patna High Court Advocates Association and is also a member of the Bihar State Bar Council. This background has played a big role in shaping Anshul Raj’s understanding of law and justice.
Just a day before the oath-taking, the Patna High Court will also celebrate the 77th Republic Day on January 26. Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahu will hoist the national flag at the western lawn of the High Court at 10 am. Judges and staff will gather for the ceremony, which will include the national anthem and a short cultural programme. Together, the Republic Day celebrations and the swearing-in of a new judge will make this a memorable week for the Patna High Court and for Bihar’s judicial system.
