Justice Meenakshi M. Rai Appointed as Chief Justice of Patna High Court

The President of India has appointed Justice Meenakshi M. Rai, currently a Judge of the Sikkim High Court, as the 48th Chief Justice of the Patna High Court. The appointment was made under Article 217(1) of the Constitution of India following the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium. 

She is scheduled to assume office on 5 June 2026, after the retirement of incumbent Chief Justice Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo on 4 June 2026.

About Justice Meenakshi M. Rai

Born on 12 July 1964 in Gangtok, Sikkim.

Enrolled with the Bar Association of Delhi in 1990 and practiced before the Delhi High Court and Supreme Court.

Elevated as a Judge of the Sikkim High Court on 15 April 2015.

She became the first woman from Sikkim to be elevated as a Judge of the Sikkim High Court.

Served multiple terms as Acting Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court.

Patna High Court:

Established: 1916

Headquarters: Patna, Bihar

One of the oldest High Courts in India.

Jurisdiction: State of Bihar.

Sikkim High Court:

Established: 1975 (after Sikkim became a state of India).

Headquarters: Gangtok.

It is one of the smallest High Courts in India.

Supreme Court Collegium:

Headed by the Chief Justice of India (CJI).

Consists of the CJI and four senior-most Supreme Court judges.

Recommends appointments and transfers of judges in the higher judiciary.

Constitutional Provisions:

Article 217

Deals with the appointment and conditions of the office of High Court Judges.

High Court Judges are appointed by the President of India after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, the Governor of the concerned state, and the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court.

Article 214

Provides that every state shall have a High Court.

Article 222

Deals with the transfer of High Court Judges from one High Court to another.

Quick Brief Revision Notes:

Justice Meenakshi M. Rai appointed 48th Chief Justice of Patna High Court.

Currently serving as Judge of Sikkim High Court.

Appointment recommended by Supreme Court Collegium on 22 May 2026.

Succeeds Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo.

First woman from Sikkim to become a High Court Judge.

Article 217 → Appointment of High Court Judges.

Patna High Court established in 1916.

Sikkim High Court located in Gangtok.