Justice Anshul Raj Takes Oath as Patna High Court Judge
In a significant development for the Bihar judiciary, Justice Anshul Raj was formally sworn in as a judge of the Patna High Court on Tuesday. The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo in the historic centenary hall of the Patna High Court building. The ceremony was attended by a distinguished gathering, including sitting and retired judges, as well as advocates of the court, marking a momentous occasion in the legal community.
Early Life and Educational Background
Born in 1971 in Patna, Justice Anshul Raj is the elder son of senior advocate Yogesh Chandra Verma and historian Sushila Sahay. His academic journey began with matriculation from Sir Ganesh Datt Pataliputra High School, followed by intermediate studies in science at Patna Science College. He later graduated from Patna University and pursued a law degree from Magadh University, laying a strong foundation for his future legal career.
Transition from Civil Services to Legal Practice
After facing two unsuccessful attempts at the civil services examination conducted by the Union Public Service Commission, Justice Anshul decided to shift his focus to the legal profession. He was enrolled as an advocate in 2003, embarking on a path that would eventually lead to judicial elevation. His initial practice was at the Supreme Court, where he worked under the mentorship of senior counsel and former acting chief justice of the Patna High Court, Nagendra Rai.
Career at the Patna High Court
In 2009, Justice Anshul moved his practice to the Patna High Court, where he assisted his father, senior counsel Yogesh Chandra Verma, and state government counsel Arvind Ujjwal. Over the years, he established himself as a versatile legal practitioner, handling a wide range of cases. One of his notable contributions was arguing a landmark case concerning the right to reproductive choice of an HIV-positive adult woman. The petitioner had sought medical termination of pregnancy beyond the statutory limit of 20 weeks, citing that the pregnancy resulted from rape. The case concluded on April 26, 2017, with an order directing the Bihar government to pay Rs 3 lakh as compensation and ensure social security for the child of the terminally ill mother.
Path to Judgeship
Justice Anshul's dedication and expertise were recognized when he was designated as a senior advocate of the Patna High Court on December 18, 2024. Subsequently, a three-judge collegium of the Supreme Court recommended his elevation as a judge of the same high court on February 24 last year. The President of India officially appointed him as a judge of the Patna High Court on January 23 this year, culminating in his recent swearing-in ceremony.
This appointment adds a new chapter to the Patna High Court's legacy, with Justice Anshul Raj bringing a wealth of experience and a proven track record in handling complex legal matters. His journey from a practicing advocate to a judge serves as an inspiration to many in the legal fraternity, highlighting the importance of perseverance and commitment in the pursuit of justice.
