In a significant development for the judiciary in Bihar, the Patna High Court is set to welcome two new judges. President of India, Droupadi Murmu, has officially appointed advocates Ritesh Kumar and Praveen Kumar to the bench of the high court.
Official Notification and Appointment Details
The Union Government's Ministry of Law and Justice issued the official notification for these appointments on Monday evening. This formal step by the central government paves the way for the two designated judges to assume their new roles. Both Ritesh Kumar and Praveen Kumar have been practising lawyers within the Patna High Court itself, bringing a deep understanding of the court's functioning to their judicial positions.
Profiles of the Newly Appointed Judges
Ritesh Kumar has built a notable legal career with significant experience in representing government bodies. He has served as a counsel for the Bihar state government and has also represented several universities across the state in legal matters. His expertise lies in civil and administrative law.
On the other hand, Praveen Kumar has carved a niche for himself in the realm of criminal law. His practice has focused extensively on criminal cases, bringing a wealth of experience in one of the most complex areas of jurisprudence to the high court bench.
Strengthening the Bench Strength
With the appointment of these two advocates, the total number of judges in the Patna High Court will rise to 36 once they take their oaths of office. This move is seen as a step towards optimizing the working strength of the court, which handles a substantial caseload. The infusion of fresh judicial minds with diverse legal backgrounds is expected to contribute positively to the court's efficiency and the breadth of its deliberations.
The legal community in Patna has welcomed the appointments, noting that elevating practising advocates from the same court ensures that the new judges are already well-versed with local procedures and pressing legal issues. All eyes are now on the oath-taking ceremony, which will formally mark the beginning of their tenures as judges of the Patna High Court.
