Justice V Kameswar Rao: Takes Oath as Patna Chief Justice

• Justice V Kameswar Rao took oath as the Chief Justice of the Patna High Court on Sunday.
• Bihar Governor Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd) administered the oath of office.
• The Supreme Court Collegium recommended his elevation on August 6, with the Central government notifying the appointment on September 5.
• Justice Rao previously served as a judge of the Delhi High Court, becoming permanent in March 2015 after being elevated in April 2013.
• His career also included a transfer to the Karnataka High Court in 2024, where he acted as Chief Justice in May 2025, before being repatriated to Delhi in July 2025.

The leadership of Justice V Kameswar Rao in the Bihar High Court is expected to shape the functioning and efficiency of the judiciary, impacting how cases are managed and adjudicated in the coming years.

Justice V Kameswar Rao formally assumed his duties as the Chief Justice of the Patna High Court on Sunday, marking a significant leadership transition for the judiciary in Bihar. The solemn oath of office was administered by Bihar Governor Lt. Gen. Syed Ata Hasnain (Retd) during a ceremony, officially inaugurating Justice Rao's tenure in this pivotal role.

His appointment brings a wealth of experience to the Patna High Court, following a distinguished career that saw him previously serve as a judge of the Delhi High Court. The elevation of Justice V Kameswar Rao to the position of Patna Chief Justice underscores a strategic move within the Indian judicial system to bring seasoned jurists to lead high courts across the nation.

Justice Rao's extensive legal background began with his academic pursuits, culminating in an LLB degree from Delhi University in 1990. He subsequently enrolled as an advocate in March 1991, embarking on a professional journey that would eventually lead him to the bench.

His judicial career commenced with his elevation as an additional judge of the Delhi High Court in April 2013, a position he held before being confirmed as a permanent judge in March 2015. Over the years, Justice Rao's experience broadened through various judicial assignments, including a transfer to the Karnataka High Court in 2024. During his time there, he briefly served as the acting Chief Justice of the Karnataka High Court in May 2025, before being repatriated to the Delhi High Court on July 21, 2025, prior to his current appointment in Patna.

The process leading to Justice Rao's current role began with a recommendation from the Supreme Court Collegium on August 6, which proposed his elevation as Chief Justice. This recommendation is a crucial step in the system of Bihar judicial appointments, ensuring that candidates for high judicial office are thoroughly vetted by the apex court's senior judges.

Following the Collegium's endorsement, the Central government officially notified his appointment on September 5. This notification finalized the administrative procedures, paving the way for Justice V Kameswar Rao to take the Chief Justice Patna High Court oath and assume his new responsibilities.

The appointment of Justice V Kameswar Rao as the new Chief Justice of the Patna High Court carries significant implications for the state's legal landscape. Lawyers practicing within the Patna High Court jurisdiction should particularly note this change in leadership, as it often signals potential shifts in court administration and procedural directives.

Such a high-profile Patna High Court Chief Justice appointment can influence the overall judicial approach and priorities within the court. The leadership of Justice V Kameswar Rao in the Bihar High Court is expected to shape the functioning and efficiency of the judiciary, impacting how cases are managed and adjudicated in the coming years.

Lawyers practicing in the Patna High Court should note the appointment of Justice V Kameswar Rao as the new Chief Justice, as this change in leadership may influence court administration, procedural directives, or the overall judicial approach within the court.

Source: Original reporting via Indian Express