Justice V. Kameswar Rao Takes Helm at Patna High Court

Patna’s legal landscape has a new leader. Justice V. Kameswar Rao took the oath as Chief Justice of the Patna High Court on Sunday, September 13, 2026, in a ceremony brimming with solemnity and significance. Governor Syed Ata Hasnain administered the oath at Lok Bhavan, with Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary and other state dignitaries looking on.

A Distinguished Legal Journey

Justice Rao brings a wealth of experience to his new role. Born on August 7, 1965, he graduated with honors in Geography from Delhi University in 1987 before earning his LLB in 1990. He was enrolled as an advocate with the Bar Council of Delhi in March 1991, practicing in the Supreme Court, Delhi High Court, and the Central Administrative Tribunal’s principal bench in New Delhi.

Rise Through the Ranks

His ascent in the judiciary has been steady and impressive. Designated a senior advocate by the Delhi High Court in 2010, he was elevated as an additional judge on August 17, 2013, and became a permanent judge on March 18, 2015. More recently, he was transferred to the Karnataka High Court in June 2024, where he also served as its acting chief justice before returning to Delhi in July 2025.

A New Chapter in Patna

Now, Justice Rao steps into one of India’s oldest high courts, established in 1916. His appointment comes at a time when the judiciary faces complex challenges, and his extensive background across multiple courts positions him as a seasoned leader ready to guide the Patna High Court forward.