Patna: Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai, a senior judge of the Sikkim High Court, has been appointed as the next Chief Justice of the Patna High Court, according to a notification issued by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice.
She will assume office on Friday, succeeding the incumbent Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo, who is scheduled to retire on Thursday.
Appointment cleared after Supreme Court recommendation
The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended Justice Rai’s elevation as Chief Justice of the Patna High Court on May 22. Following the recommendation, the Centre issued the formal notification approving her appointment.
With her swearing-in, Justice Rai will become the 48th Chief Justice of the Patna High Court and its second woman Chief Justice.
Second woman to hold the post
Justice Rai will follow Justice Rekha M Doshit of the Gujarat High Court, who became the first woman Chief Justice of the Patna High Court when she took charge on July 10, 2010.
Educational and professional background
Born on July 12, 1964 in Sikkim, Justice Rai completed her schooling in the state before moving to Delhi for higher education.
She graduated in Political Science from Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi, and later obtained her LLB degree from the Campus Law Centre, University of Delhi.
Judicial career
Justice Rai joined the judicial service in December 1990 as a Judicial Magistrate First Class in Sikkim.
She was promoted as a District and Sessions Judge in 2004 and was elevated as a judge of the Sikkim High Court on April 15, 2015.
During her tenure, she has also served on multiple occasions as the Acting Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court.
Her appointment marks a significant leadership transition at the Patna High Court as the institution prepares for a change at the helm following the retirement of Chief Justice Sahoo.
