Sikkim HC Crisis Unfolds: Registrar's Complaint and Ex-CJ's Letter Expose Turmoil

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A brewing administrative crisis in the Sikkim high court has come to light through a formal complaint from the court's registrar general and a subsequent letter from the then chief justice, Biswanath Somadder, to the Chief Justice of India, Surya Kant. The registrar general, Prajwal Khatiwada, had complained of being 'humiliated and mistreated' by acting Chief Justice Meenakshi Madan Rai in her chambers on December 12. Khatiwada was subsequently transferred out of the high court registry and posted as a district and sessions judge by an administrative order dated December 15, the day Justice Rai took charge. In his December 13 letter, Justice Somadder flagged Justice Rai's conduct and expressed concern about the gravity of the situation. He had previously raised similar concerns in two confidential communications to the CJI in 2022 and 2025, citing allegations of interference and influence in the selection of a family member as a judicial officer. The controversy assumes significance in light of the Supreme Court collegium's decision to bypass Justice Rai for the position of Chief Justice of Sikkim, instead recommending Justice A Muhamed Mustaque of the Kerala high court. The collegium's decision was influenced by the administrative overhaul undertaken by Justice Rai after assuming charge, including the reshuffling of the high court registry and district judiciary. The situation escalated rapidly, prompting intervention by CJI Kant and senior Supreme Court judges. Justice JK Maheshwari stepped in to de-escalate matters, and some of the orders were rolled back. However, the episode weighed heavily on the collegium's assessment, ultimately costing Justice Rai her chance to be appointed as the regular Chief Justice of Sikkim high court.