Archive · 24 Aug 2026
Former Patna High Court Chief Justice Named Sikkim Rights Chair
Meenakshi Madan Rai has been chosen to lead Sikkim’s State Human Rights Commission.
She previously served as Chief Justice of the Patna High Court.
The Governor of Sikkim approved her appointment.
She will begin her term when she takes charge.
Her term can last three years or until she turns 70, whichever happens first.
She will receive pay and benefits similar to the sitting Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court, but not a pension under these terms.
Rai had earlier worked as a judge in the Sikkim High Court.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang congratulated her and said the appointment showed support for women in leadership.
Former Patna High Court Chief Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai has been appointed chairperson of the Sikkim State Human Rights Commission.
The appointment was made by the Governor of Sikkim through a Home Department notification.
Rai will serve for three years from assuming office or until age 70, whichever comes first.
The chairperson’s salary and benefits will match those of the sitting Chief Justice of the Sikkim High Court, excluding pension.
Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang described the appointment as an example of women’s empowerment under the SKM government.
- Who
- Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai, a retired Chief Justice of the Patna High Court, was appointed chairperson; the appointment was issued by the Governor of Sikkim.
- What
- Rai was appointed chairperson of the Sikkim State Human Rights Commission.
- When
- The notification was reported on Monday, August 24; the year is not specified. Her term begins when she assumes charge.
- Where
- Sikkim; the report was datelined Gangtok.
- Why
- The Home Department notification announced the appointment; Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang said it reflected the SKM government’s commitment to women’s equal opportunities in positions of responsibility.
- Appointee
- Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai
- Position
- Chairperson, Sikkim State Human Rights Commission
- Appointing authority
- Governor of Sikkim
- Term
- Three years from assuming charge or until age 70, whichever is earlier
- Service terms
- The status, salary, allowances and perquisites of the sitting Chief Justice of the High Court of Sikkim, excluding pension
- Previous position
- Retired Chief Justice of the High Court of Patna
- Earlier Sikkim role
- Judge of the Sikkim High Court