Justice Meenakshi M. Rai Recommended as Next Patna High Court Chief Justice

Brief By Newsbrief / 9:01 AM on 24 May 2026

A major development in India’s judiciary has emerged as the Supreme Court Collegium recommended Justice Meenakshi M. Rai for appointment as the next Chief Justice of the Patna High Court. The proposal has been sent to the central government, with final approval pending an official notification from the Law Ministry.

Justice Rai is expected to succeed Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahu, who is scheduled to retire on June 4, 2026. Currently serving as a senior judge at the Sikkim High Court, Justice Rai is widely recognized for her balanced, strict, and impartial judgments.

The possible appointment has sparked discussions across legal circles, as it may mark the return of female leadership to the Patna High Court after Justice Rekha M. Doshit, who became its first woman Chief Justice in 2010. Experts believe the move could influence judicial administration and key legal proceedings in the future.