New Delhi, May 24 -- In a historic first for the higher judiciary, four high courts across the country are set to simultaneously have women chief justices after the Supreme Court collegium headed by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant recommended the appointment of Sikkim High Court judge Justice Meenakshi M Rai as the chief justice of the Patna High Court.

The collegium, in a resolution passed on May 22, recommended Justice Rai's elevation consequent upon the retirement of incumbent Patna High Court chief, Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo, on June 4.

"The Supreme Court Collegium in its meeting held on 22nd May, 2026 has recommended appointment of Ms Justice Meenakshi M Rai, Judge, High Court of Sikkim as Chief Justice, High Court of Judicature...