Justice Sangam Kumar Sahoo was sworn in as the 47th Chief Justice of the Patna High Court on Wednesday in a formal ceremony held at Lok Bhavan, Patna. Bihar Governor Arif Mohammad Khan administered the oath of office in the presence of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha, cabinet members, and several dignitaries.
The Union Law Ministry officially notified Justice Sahoo’s appointment on January 1, 2026, following approval by the President of India. His elevation was recommended by the Supreme Court Collegium during its December 18, 2025 meeting. Justice Sahoo succeeds Justice Pavankumar Bhimappa Bajanthri, who retired in October, with Justice Sudhir Singh serving as the Acting Chief Justice in the interim.
Born in 1964, Justice Sahoo has had a distinguished legal journey. He completed his matriculation from Nayabazar High School, Cuttack, earned a Bachelor of Science from Stewart Science College, and later obtained master’s degrees in English and Odia from Utkal University. His early education and academic grounding laid a strong foundation for his legal career.
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Justice Sahoo comes from a family deeply rooted in law. Mentored by his father, the late Sarat Chandra Sahoo, a noted criminal law expert, he gained a profound understanding of legal principles from a young age. After enrolling as an advocate with the Odisha State Bar Council on November 26, 1989, he also worked closely with senior advocate Dr. Manoranjan Panda.
Renowned for his expertise in criminal law, Justice Sahoo quickly built a reputation for legal acumen and integrity at the Odisha High Court. His contributions at the bar and later as a judge earned him widespread recognition, culminating in his appointment as a judge of the Odisha High Court on July 2, 2014.
As Chief Justice of Patna High Court, Justice Sahoo is expected to play a pivotal role in upholding justice and strengthening the judiciary in Bihar. His leadership is anticipated to bring further efficiency, transparency, and excellence to the functioning of the court, inspiring legal professionals across the state.
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