Patna: Union Law and Justice Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal was accorded an elaborate welcome by members of the Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT) Bar Association in Patna on Wednesday, marking the first time a Union Law Minister has visited the tribunal since its establishment.
The event, held at the CAT Bar Association Auditorium at Niyojan Bhawan, saw Senior Standing Counsel T.N. Thakur and his team receive the minister with traditional honours. “Since CAT’s inception in 1987, this is the first time a Union Law Minister has come to Patna at our request. It is a historic moment for us,” Thakur said.
Several senior advocates, including ASG Dr K.N. Singh, State Legal Cell Coordinator Bindhyachal Rai, government retainer Sarvdev Singh, and others welcomed Meghwal with shawls and bouquets. Thakur presented him with the Ashoka Pillar emblem and a ceremonial robe.
आज पटना प्रवास के दौरान केंद्रीय प्रशासनिक अधिकरण (CAT) पटना पीठ में अधिवक्ताओं से भेंट कर न्यायिक प्रक्रिया से जुड़े विविध महत्वपूर्ण विषयों पर उपस्थित गणमान्यजनों एवं अधिवक्ताओं को संबोधित किया।
इस अवसर पर न्याय व्यवस्था में हो रहे सुधारों तथा उपलब्ध सुविधाओं से जुड़े… pic.twitter.com/GebMa7Cij4
— Arjun Ram Meghwal (@arjunrammeghwal) November 19, 2025
Lawyers raise concerns with the minister
Advocates put forward two key demands:
- an increase in remuneration for Government of India counsel, and
- the establishment of an additional bench of CAT in Patna.
Meghwal listened to concerns individually and said the suggestions had been formally noted. He assured those present that “prompt action” would follow.
Around 200 lawyers, including B.D. Singh, Priyanka Rajlaxmi, Ravindra Rai, Manoj Kumar Singh, and others, attended the meeting and shared their views.
Visit coincides with BJP legislative activities
Meghwal is currently in Patna as the Central Co-observer of the BJP Legislative Party, which met earlier in the day to elect its legislature party leader. His presence at the CAT event formed part of his engagements during the visit.
Advocates expressed optimism that the minister’s assurances would translate into concrete improvements in remuneration and infrastructure at CAT Patna.
