Justice Sudhir Singh Named Acting Chief Justice of Patna High Court

Justice Sudhir Singh, a judge of the Patna High Court, has been appointed Acting Chief Justice of the court, following the retirement of Chief Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai on July 11, 2026.

The Patna High Court is the principal judicial authority for Bihar, hearing appeals from the state's district courts alongside exercising original writ jurisdiction. The Chief Justice's office oversees case allocation and the court's administrative functions until a permanent successor is appointed by the President on the Supreme Court Collegium's recommendation.

Acting Chief Justice appointments are typically made on the basis of seniority among sitting judges of the concerned High Court, pending the Collegium's recommendation for a regular appointment. Justice Singh's elevation follows this convention, with the senior-most available judge assuming charge.

Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai, who demitted office on July 11, headed the Patna High Court until her retirement on reaching the mandatory retirement age of 62 for High Court judges under the Constitution.

The Bihar judiciary has been contending with a substantial pendency of civil and criminal cases at the High Court level, a challenge that will fall to the incoming leadership to manage during the transition.

Justice Singh will hold acting charge until the Centre notifies a regular Chief Justice for the Patna High Court.