Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai appointed Chief Justice of Patna High Court
On 2 June 2026, the President appointed Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai, a Judge of the Sikkim High Court, as Chief Justice of the Patna High Court with effect from 5 June 2026, after the retirement of Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo on 4 June.
Summary
Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai, a Judge of the Sikkim High Court, was appointed Chief Justice of the Patna High Court by the President in consultation with the Chief Justice of India, the Ministry of Law and Justice notified on 2 June 2026. The appointment takes effect from 5 June 2026, following the retirement of Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo on 4 June 2026. Under Article 217(1) of the Constitution, every High Court Judge is appointed by the President by warrant under his hand and seal and holds office until the age of sixty-two years.
Key facts
- Notified
- 2 June 2026, Ministry of Law and Justice
- Appointee
- Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai, Judge, Sikkim High Court
- Post
- Chief Justice, Patna High Court, from 5 June 2026
- Predecessor
- Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo, retiring 4 June 2026
- Static
- Art 217(1): HC Judges appointed by President by warrant; hold office till 62
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai was appointed in June 2026 as Chief Justice of which High Court?
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Correct answer: D — Patna High Court
The President appointed her Chief Justice of the Patna High Court with effect from 5 June 2026.
Before her appointment as Chief Justice of the Patna High Court in June 2026, Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai was a Judge of which High Court?
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Correct answer: A — Sikkim High Court
She was a Judge of the Sikkim High Court.
Under Article 217(1) of the Constitution, which governs appointments such as the Patna High Court Chief Justice in June 2026, a permanent Judge of a High Court holds office until the age of:
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Correct answer: C — 62 years
Article 217(1) says a High Court Judge (other than an additional or acting Judge) holds office until he attains sixty-two years; Supreme Court Judges serve till 65 under Article 124.