Patna, July 22: In a solemn ceremony held inside the centenary hall of Patna High Court, Justice Sudhir Singh took oath as a Judge of the court on Tuesday. The event was presided over by Chief Justice Vipul M Pancholi, who had himself been sworn in just a day earlier.
Return of a Veteran Judge
Justice Singh is no stranger to the Patna High Court. Elevated as a judge on April 15, 2015, he has a reputation for delivering landmark judgments, particularly in criminal cases. His work has earned him respect both within and outside the legal community.
On November 2, 2023, he was transferred to the Punjab and Haryana High Court. However, in a recent reshuffle, he was brought back to his parent High Court in Patna. The Ministry of Law and Justice issued a notification to this effect on July 14, 2025.
Ceremony Attended by Legal Fraternity
The oath-taking ceremony was attended by several eminent legal personalities. Advocate General P K Shahi, Senior Advocate Krishna Prasad Singh, Ramakant Sharma (President, Bihar State Bar Council), and numerous other members of the Bar were present.
The atmosphere was respectful and celebratory. Many extended their warm wishes to Justice Singh on his reappointment.
Judicial Strength Still a Concern
Even with Justice Singh’s return, the Patna High Court continues to grapple with an alarming shortage of judges. As of now, it operates with only 36 judges against its sanctioned strength of 53. This means that over 30% of judicial positions remain vacant.
This shortfall significantly affects the pace of justice delivery. Pending case backlogs continue to rise, making such appointments both urgent and essential.
Ranking Among Seniors
With his return, Justice Singh is now the third-most senior judge in the Patna HC. He stands behind only Chief Justice Vipul M Pancholi and Justice P B Bajanthri. His seniority adds strength and experience to the judicial bench.
The Road Ahead
Justice Singh’s appointment may be seen as a step in the right direction. However, it also underscores a larger issue — the vacancy crisis in Indian High Courts. According to data from the Department of Justice, multiple High Courts across the country are functioning below capacity.
This not only delays justice but also burdens sitting judges with unmanageable workloads. To ensure timely justice, appointments must be expedited and vacancies reduced across the board.
Why It Matters
- Justice Singh brings deep experience and knowledge, especially in criminal law.
- His reappointment strengthens the judicial leadership in Bihar.
- However, judicial vacancies remain a pressing concern at the state and national levels.
Voices from the Bar
Several legal experts praised the move. “His clarity in reasoning and firmness in decisions are admired,” said a senior advocate present at the ceremony. Another remarked, “His return gives hope that more critical cases will now be addressed swiftly.”
Call for Reforms
Experts have long called for structural reforms in judicial appointments. While the Collegium system continues to be followed, it often results in delays. Greater transparency and timely clearances from the government can ease the crisis.
With growing caseloads and increasing citizen demand for quicker justice, the pressure on the judiciary is immense. Appointments like that of Justice Singh offer hope, but systemic issues still remain.
Final Thoughts
Justice Sudhir Singh’s return to the Patna High Court is significant — both symbolically and practically. It marks the return of a respected legal mind and also throws light on the need for more such appointments. As Bihar’s judiciary battles workload and vacancies, such experienced hands are more essential than ever.
