Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai was sworn in on Friday as the Chief Justice of the Patna High Court. Bihar Governor Syed Ata Hasnain administered the oath of office at a ceremony held at Bihar Lok Bhavan in Patna, which was attended by judges of the Patna High Court and several other dignitaries.
The appointment of Justice Rai was cleared by the Centre earlier this week following a recommendation by the Supreme Court Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant. Her elevation comes after the retirement of Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo on June 4.
Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law and Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal had announced her appointment, stating that it was made under constitutional provisions in consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
Justice Rai has had a distinguished judicial career. She was appointed as a judge of the Sikkim High Court on April 15, 2015, becoming the first woman from Sikkim to hold that position. She has also served multiple terms as Acting Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court and currently holds the position of Executive Chairperson of the Sikkim State Legal Services Authority.