SC Collegium Recommends Appointment Of Sikkim HC Judge Meenakshi Rai As Patna HC Chief Justice

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 at Patna, consequent upon retirement of incumbent Chief Justice on 4th June,...

Suspension Period Treated As Extra-Ordinary Leave Cannot Count Towards Pensionable Service For Convicted Govt Servant: Sikkim High Court

The Sikkim High Court has held that a government servant convicted in a criminal case was not entitled to pension after failing to complete the mandatory 10 years of qualifying service under the Sikkim Services (Pension) Rules, 1990. The Court observed that since the petitioner's suspension period had been validly treated as extra-ordinary leave, it could not be reckoned for qualifying...

Testimony Of Differently-Abled Rape Survivor Cannot Be Discarded For Inability To Name Accused: Sikkim High Court

The Sikkim High Court has held that the testimony of a differently-abled victim in a sexual offence case cannot be discarded merely due to her inability to clearly communicate or identify the accused, stressing that courts must focus on the substance of what is conveyed rather than the manner of expression. The Court observed that failure of a victim with intellectual disability to...

'Partial Penetration Suffices Under POCSO': Sikkim High Court Upholds Conviction Of 60-Year-Old Man For Sexually Assaulting 5-Yr-Old

The Sikkim High Court upheld the conviction of a 60-year-old accused for committing aggravated penetrative sexual assault on a five-year-old child under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012 (POCSO Act) Division Bench of Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai and Justice Bhaskar Raj remarked that: “...having prima facie found that, the Appellant, aged about sixty years, had...

Fractured Ribs Or Treated Hip Dislocation Alone Cannot Establish Permanent Disability Without Medical Proof: Sikkim High Court

The Sikkim High Court held that a fracture of ribs or a treated hip dislocation cannot, by itself, justify a finding of permanent disability in the absence of supporting medical evidence. It noted that the claimant failed to establish the consequences of the vertebral injury, and even the witness testimony was unreliable.Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai remarked that : “the fracture of ribs...

Sikkim High Court To Organise National Conclave On Technology And Judicial Education At Gangtok

The High Court of Sikkim is organising a two-day “National Conclave on Technology and Judicial Education” at Gangtok on May 1 and 2, 2026. The conclave will include the following conferences:National Technology Conference for Transformation of the Indian Judiciary; andConference of Commonwealth Judicial Educators in the Digital Age, organised by the Sikkim Judicial Academy under the aegis...

Sikkim High Court Directs State To Consider Sub-Classification Within 'Blindness & Low-Vision Disability' Quota In Public Employment

The Sikkim High Court has directed the State Government to consider providing sub-classification within the "Blindness and Low-Vision" category in public employment, observing that treating unequals as equals undermines substantive equality. Applying the principle of reasonable accommodation, the bench of Chief Justice A Muhamed Mustaque in his order observed:"The inherent differences in...

Fair Reporting Of FIR Not 'Media Trial'; Press Acts As Watchdog Of Democracy: Sikkim High Court

The Sikkim High Court has held that fair and accurate reporting of the registration of an FIR, without sensationalism or prejudgment, cannot be termed as a “media trial.” It remarked that reporting on criminal proceedings is the role of the press as the fourth pillar of democracy and is a part of the media's duty as a public watchdog. The Court further clarified that such...

Sikkim High Court Sets Aside Interim Compensation For Alleged Railway Work Damage; Notes No Such Relief Was Sought

The Sikkim High Court has set aside an interim relief providing compensation to a landholder whose house was allegedly damaged due to the railway works, observing that the compensation can be granted by way of interim relief in exceptional cases where there is an immediate threat to the life of a citizen and no other means are available to safeguard their life and liberty. The division bench...

Non-Disclosure Of Minor Criminal Cases Leading To Acquittal Should Not Automatically Lead To Termination: Sikkim High Court

The High Court of Sikkim has set aside the termination of a constable employed in the Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB), holding that suppression of minor criminal cases which ultimately resulted in acquittal should not automatically lead to termination from service. The Court emphasized that authorities must evaluate the nature of the offence, the nature of the post, and the socio-economic background...

“Professional Misunderstandings Should Be Resolved Through Dialogue, Not Courts”: Sikkim HC Declines Interference In Transfer Dispute

The Sikkim High Court held that workplace disputes involving personal grievances and communication gaps should be addressed through introspection and mutual understanding, rather than blame or litigation. The Court noted that strained professional relationships often arise from misunderstandings rather than legal violations and the employees must focus on their responsibilities and engage...

Justice A Muhamed Mustaque Sworn In As Chief Justice Of Sikkim High Court

Justice A Muhamed Mustaque was sworn in as the Chief Justice of Sikkim High Court on Sunday (January 4). Sikkim Governor Om Prakash Mathur administered the oath of office to Justice A Muhamed Mustaque. Justice Mustaque is a native of Thana in Kannur District. He has obtained Law Degree from V.B College of Law, Udupi and later completed his LL.M from MG University in Labour Law. After enrolling...