Strengthening Bihar’s judicial framework, the Supreme Court Collegium has greenlit nine advocates for judgeships at the Patna High Court. The Thursday meeting sealed their fate, paving the way for enhanced bench strength amid rising caseloads.
The Collegium deliberated on Mohammad Nadeem Seraj, Ranjan Kumar Jha, Kumar Manish, Sanjeev Kumar, Girijesh Kumar, Alok Kumar, Raj Kumar, Rana Vikram Singh, and Vikas Kumar. These selections now await Central Government scrutiny before formal induction.
Operating at 38 judges out of 53 approved, the court stares at significant vacancies. Three retirements loom this year, including that of Chief Justice S.K. Sahu, making these additions critical yet insufficient to reach full complement.
Chronic understaffing has long hindered Patna HC’s efficiency, with nearly half the posts empty. This directly impacts case hearings, prolonging resolutions and straining resources. Fresh judges could accelerate proceedings substantially.
The appointment trajectory involves government approval post-Collegium nod, culminating in presidential notification. This mechanism ensures thorough evaluation, though it often draws criticism for delays in filling judicial vacancies.