Supreme Court Collegium’s Latest Recommendation
The Supreme Court Collegium has put forth a recommendation for the appointment of Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai from the Sikkim High Court as the new Chief Justice of the Patna High Court. This recommendation was formalized during a Collegium meeting on May 22, 2026.
Current Leadership and Transition
Justice Rai is set to succeed Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo, who will retire on June 4, 2026. Her appointment marks a significant transition in the leadership of the Patna High Court, bringing her extensive legal experience to the forefront.
Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai: A Trailblazing Career
Born on July 12, 1964, in Sikkim, Justice Rai completed her early education in Gangtok and Kurseong. She pursued Political Science (Honours) at Lady Shri Ram College, Delhi University, followed by an LLB from the Campus Law Centre, Delhi University, in 1989. Justice Rai joined the Bar Council of Delhi in 1990, practicing at both the Delhi High Court and the Supreme Court before entering the Sikkim Judicial Service.
Pioneering Contributions in Sikkim’s Judiciary
Justice Rai made history in December 1990 as the first woman from Sikkim to be appointed as a Judicial Magistrate First Class-cum-Civil Judge. Her judicial career saw her in roles such as Chief Judicial Magistrate, District and Sessions Judge, Registrar General of the Sikkim High Court, and Principal District and Sessions Judge. Her expertise is highlighted by her work with special laws, including the NDPS Act, 1985, the Sikkim Anti-drugs Act, 2006, the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, MACT, and the Scheduled Castes & Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act.
Elevation and Acting Chief Justice Roles
On April 15, 2015, Justice Rai was elevated as a permanent judge of the Sikkim High Court, becoming the first woman from Sikkim to hold such a position. She has also served multiple times as the Acting Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court, demonstrating her leadership capabilities and judicial acumen.
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With her appointment as the Chief Justice of the Patna High Court, Justice Rai continues to break barriers and set precedents in the Indian judiciary.
