Know All About Patna High Court: History, Important Judgements and Key Facts

History of Patna High Court

The Patna High Court, established on 3rd February 1916, is the High Court of Bihar and one of India’s oldest high courts. It was formally inaugurated by the then Viceroy of India, Lord Hardinge, on 1st March 1916. The court was set up under the Government of India Act, 1915, when the need for a separate high court for Bihar and Orissa (now Odisha) was recognized.

1. Key Historical Milestones:

Formation and Early Days (1912-1916)

• On 22nd March 1912, the province of Bihar and Orissa was carved out of Bengal.
• The jurisdiction was initially under the Calcutta High Court.
• The Patna High Court Act of 1915 led to its establishment on 3rd February 1916.

First Chief Justice and Judges

• The first Chief Justice was Sir Edward Maynard Des Champs Chamier.
• The court started functioning with six puisne judges.

Bihar and Orissa High Court (1916-1948)

• Initially, it had jurisdiction over Bihar and Orissa.
• After Odisha gained a separate high court in 1948, the Patna High Court became exclusive to Bihar.

Role in the Freedom Movement

• Several landmark cases related to the Indian independence movement were heard.
• Prominent lawyers like Dr. Rajendra Prasad (first President of India) and Sachchidananda Sinha were associated with the court.

Post-Independence Developments

• After independence, the court expanded in structure and jurisdiction.
• It played a crucial role in interpreting constitutional law in Bihar.

Centenary Celebrations (2016)

• The Patna High Court completed 100 years in 2016.
• The then President of India, Pranab Mukherjee, attended the centenary celebrations.

Legacy and Importance:

• The Patna High Court has been pivotal in shaping Bihar’s legal and constitutional framework.
• It has delivered numerous landmark judgments impacting governance, social justice, and human rights.

2. Patna High Courts important judgements passed till date

The Patna High Court has delivered several landmark judgments that have significantly impacted law and governance in Bihar and India. Below are some of the most important rulings:

1. Kameshwar Singh Case (1952) – Abolition of Zamindari System

• This case challenged the Bihar Land Reforms Act, 1950, which aimed to abolish the zamindari system.
• The Patna High Court initially struck down the Act as unconstitutional, but later, the Supreme Court upheld the law after constitutional amendments.
• This ruling played a key role in land reform across India.

Read More: Latest News and Judgements From Calcutta High Court

2. Anjana Mishra Gangrape Case (1999) – Women’s Safety

• A significant case related to women’s rights and justice.
• The Patna High Court took serious note of the police inaction and ordered a CBI investigation, leading to the conviction of the accused.
• This case highlighted issues of violence against women in Bihar.

3. RJD Leaders’ Corruption Cases – Fodder Scam (1996-2017)

• The Fodder Scam involved fraudulent withdrawals of government funds meant for cattle fodder.
• The Patna High Court ordered a CBI investigation, which later led to multiple convictions, including that of former Chief Minister Lalu Prasad Yadav.
• This was a historic anti-corruption ruling in Bihar politics.

4. Nitish Kumar’s Resignation Case (2014) – Political Stability

• The High Court played a role in governance disputes when Nitish Kumar resigned as Bihar CM in 2014.
• It examined constitutional provisions related to the Governor’s role in government formation.

Read More: Latest News and Judgements From Bombay High Court

5. Bihar Liquor Ban Case (2016) – Prohibition Law

• The Bihar Prohibition and Excise Act, 2016, banning alcohol in the state, was challenged.
• The Patna High Court initially struck down the law, but the Bihar government reintroduced it with amendments.
• This ruling sparked debates on individual rights vs. state control.

6. Muzaffarpur Shelter Home Case (2018) – Child Rights

• A horrific case of sexual abuse in a government-run shelter home in Muzaffarpur was exposed.
• The Patna High Court ordered a CBI investigation and directed strict action against the accused.
• This ruling emphasized accountability in government institutions.

7. Covid-19 Healthcare Crisis (2021) – Right to Health

• The court took suo motu cognizance of the collapse of medical infrastructure in Bihar during the pandemic.
• It directed the government to improve hospital facilities, oxygen supply, and patient care.
• This judgment reaffirmed healthcare as a fundamental right.

3. List Chief Justice of Patna High Court