Ex-Patna Chief Justice Rai Named Head of Sikkim Rights Commission

Gangtok: Sikkim’s state government picked former Patna High Court Chief Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai to head the Sikkim State Human Rights Commission. A notification issued August 24 by Chief Secretary R Telang confirmed the move. Rai officially steps into the role once she takes charge.

She keeps the seat for three years or until she hits 70. The clock starts the day she begins work. Her pay, benefits, and status will match those of a sitting Sikkim High Court Chief Justice. Her pension remains separate from these financial terms.

Rai brings a history of local service to the post. She spent years as a Sikkim High Court judge before moving to Patna, where she retired July 11, 2026. Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang praised the selection as proof of his party's support for women in leadership roles.

Tamang celebrated the news online. "Congratulations and best wishes to Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai, Retired Chief Justice of the High Court of Patna, on her appointment as the Chairperson of the Sikkim State Human Rights Commission," he stated. He added that the Sikkim Krantikari Morcha government aims to ensure women hold positions of real responsibility.