Justice Manash Ranjan Pathak has formally joined the Orissa High Court as a puisne judge following his service at the Gauhati High Court. The solemn oath was administered in the Chief Justice’s Chamber by Chief Justice Harish Tandon, witnessed by senior judges of the Orissa High Court and dignitaries from the state’s legal and governmental spheres. Their presence highlighted the collaborative relationship between the judiciary and government in honouring such an appointment. This transition was effected under the recommendation of the Supreme Court Collegium and subsequent formal notification by the Union government.
Born on August 28, 1965, Justice Pathak began his legal career after graduating from Government Law College, Guwahati, and enrolling as an advocate in the North-Eastern Bar Council in September 1990. Over more than two decades, he gained extensive experience in civil, constitutional, land acquisition, and service law. He became well-known for his work as Standing Counsel for the Gauhati High Court as well as for the government’s education department. Additionally, he represented the unified State of Tripura before its reorganisation, further enriching his breadth of legal exposure.
His elevation to the bench followed in May 2013, when he was appointed as an Additional Judge of the Gauhati High Court. Five years later, in November 2018, he earned confirmation as a Permanent Judge. Throughout his judicial tenure, Justice Pathak expanded his influence beyond courtroom judgments. He participated as a member of the Assam State Law Commission and contributed to the Indian Law Institute, underscoring his commitment to legal thought and reform. His role in these bodies reflects a consistent engagement with policy and scholarly discourse.
With his arrival, the Orissa High Court’s sanctioned strength has climbed to twenty judges. This increase enhances the court’s ability to resolve cases more efficiently, especially as he prepares to join a Division Bench immediately alongside the Chief Justice. Their joint efforts are expected to play a key role in managing a growing docket of constitutional and civil matters. Justice Pathak’s term in Orissa is expected to continue until his retirement, scheduled for late August 2027.
Justice Pathak’s transfer to Orissa embodies the enduring strategy of judicial mobility within India. Such transfers aim to uphold judicial impartiality, encourage diverse regional perspectives, and foster a collective identity among High Court benches nationwide. His experience from the North-Eastern region will add fresh insights to Orissa’s judicial atmosphere, while the administrative and legal expertise he carries will enrich local jurisprudence.
Colleagues within the judiciary hold high expectations for his contributions. His background in service law, along with his active involvement in law commissions, indicates a judicial approach deeply rooted in procedural fairness and constitutional values. Additionally, his tenure in the education sector suggests an aptitude for mentoring legal professionals and engaging with academic initiatives.
In essence, the Orissa High Court’s addition of Justice Pathak reinforces both the stature and effectiveness of its bench. His judicial philosophy, refined over decades, promises thoughtful adjudication and empathy for litigants. As he integrates into Orissa’s legal fabric, his decisions and legal reasoning are likely to leave a lasting imprint on the region’s jurisprudence.
In summary, Justice Manash Ranjan Pathak’s appointment marks a significant development for the Orissa High Court. His arrival brings a wealth of legal scholarship, administrative insight, and procedural integrity. For litigants, the bench, and the broader legal community, his presence is expected to uphold the rule of law and enhance access to timely and just adjudication across the state.
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