In a significant development for the judiciary in Bihar, the Patna High Court expanded its bench with the induction of two new judges on Thursday. Justices Ritesh Kumar and Praveen Kumar were formally sworn in during a ceremony held at the court's historic Centenary Hall.
A Ceremony of Legal Prestige
The oath of office was administered by Chief Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo at 10:30 am. The event was marked by the dignified presence of all sitting judges of the high court, along with numerous members of the legal fraternity from the Bar. This collective attendance underscored the importance of the occasion for the state's judicial framework.
Justice Ritesh Kumar: A Stalwart in Constitutional and Service Law
Justice Ritesh Kumar brings a wealth of experience from his extensive practice. An alumnus of Patna College, Patna University, where he graduated in Sociology, he pursued his LL.B. from Magadh University in Bodh Gaya. His legal career commenced on August 31, 1998, when he enrolled as an advocate and began practicing in the trial courts of Patna.
By 2000, he had moved his practice to the Patna High Court, developing a specialized focus on constitutional, service, and education laws. His clientele included several prominent government universities of Bihar, such as Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University, Munger University, Veer Kunwar Singh University, J P University (Chapra), and B N Mandal University (Madhepura).
Beyond academia, he served as counsel for major entities like the Bihar State Power Holding Company and Coal India Ltd, alongside representing multinational corporations. His commitment to public service was further highlighted by his tenure as the Standing Counsel for the Bihar state government from November 2014 to July 2016.
Justice Praveen Kumar: Expertise Forged in Criminal Law
Hailing from Bhagalpur district, Justice Praveen Kumar is a second-generation lawyer, having inherited the profession from his father, Krishna Mohan, a senior advocate at the Patna High Court. He is a law graduate from Tilka Manjhi Bhagalpur University and enrolled as an advocate in 2002.
He initiated his legal journey at the Tis Hazari courts and the Delhi High Court. During these formative years, he cultivated a deep interest in major criminal cases, gaining notable expertise in the art of cross-examination and the application of scientific evidence, including DNA analysis.
In 2006, he returned to Patna to practice at the Patna High Court, honing his skills in criminal law under the mentorship of his father. This background equips him with a sharp perspective on complex criminal jurisprudence.
Strengthening the Bench for Bihar's Future
The appointment of Justices Ritesh Kumar and Praveen Kumar is a pivotal step in strengthening the judicial apparatus of Bihar. Their diverse and profound expertise—spanning constitutional, service, education, and criminal law—is expected to bolster the high court's capacity to address a wide spectrum of legal challenges. The legal community views these appointments as a positive move towards ensuring robust and efficient justice delivery in the state.
