In a significant development for the judiciary in Bihar, the President of India has appointed senior advocate Anshul Raj as a Judge of the Patna High Court. A formal notification in this regard was issued on Friday evening by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, marking a key step in the appointment process for the high court.
Background and Early Education of Justice (Designate) Anshul Raj
Born in 1971, Anshul Raj completed his matriculation from Sir Ganesh Dutt Patliputra High School in Patna. He then pursued his intermediate studies in science from the prestigious Patna Science College, laying a strong academic foundation early in his career.
Higher Education and Legal Qualifications
He is a graduate of Patna University and went on to earn his law degree (LLB) from Magadh University. This educational background equipped him with the necessary knowledge and skills to embark on a distinguished legal career.
Legal Career and Professional Journey
Enrolled as an advocate in 2003, Justice (designate) Anshul Raj began his practice at the Supreme Court of India. During this initial phase, he was mentored by senior counsel and retired acting Chief Justice of the Patna High Court, Nagendra Rai, who played a pivotal role in shaping his legal acumen.
In 2009, he shifted his practice to the Patna High Court to assist his father, senior counsel Yogesh Chandra Verma, and state government counsel Arvind Ujjwal. This move allowed him to gain extensive experience in handling cases at the high court level.
Expertise and Roles in the Judiciary
Known for his equal command over civil, constitutional, and criminal law matters, Anshul Raj served as standing counsel for the Bihar government for a brief period. His expertise in diverse legal domains made him a respected figure in the legal community.
He was designated as a senior advocate of the Patna High Court on December 18, 2024, a recognition of his contributions and proficiency. Following this, the collegium recommended his appointment as a judge for the same high court on February 24 last year, leading to the recent presidential appointment.
Implications of the Appointment
This appointment is expected to strengthen the bench of the Patna High Court, bringing in a judge with a robust background in both Supreme Court and high court practices. It underscores the ongoing efforts to fill judicial vacancies and enhance the efficiency of the judiciary in Bihar.
The notification from the Union Ministry of Law and Justice formalizes this appointment, ensuring that the high court continues to benefit from experienced legal minds like Anshul Raj.
