California: Navraj Singh Rai becomes first Sikh Pro Tem Judge in Kern County, scripting judicial history
Born to immigrant parents from India, Rai pursued his legal education at the University of California
PTC Web Desk: Kern County witnessed a historic moment last week as Navraj Singh Rai, fondly known in the local community as “the Bako kid”, took oath as a Pro Tem Judge of the Superior Court of California, County of Kern. With this appointment, Rai has become the first Sikh, and the first Punjabi Sikh, to serve on the county’s judicial bench, marking a significant milestone in its legal history.
The oath-taking ceremony symbolised more than a personal achievement. It represented a breakthrough for Kern County’s Sikh community, which has played a vital role in the region’s agricultural, business and civic growth for decades but had never before been represented at this level of the judiciary.
Born to immigrant parents from India, Rai pursued his legal education at the University of California, Davis, laying the foundation for a career rooted in public service and justice. As a Pro Tem Judge, he will preside over a variety of cases, bringing his legal acumen to the courtroom while upholding principles of fairness, equality and the rule of law.
Visuals from the ceremony, widely shared on social media, show Rai taking the oath with confidence, often seen standing alongside local law-enforcement officials. The appointment was widely welcomed by community organisations, including the Kern County Hindu Cultural Centre, as well as Punjabi media platforms, which described the moment as historic and deeply inspiring.
Rai’s induction also reflects a broader trend of increasing Sikh representation within California’s judicial system. The appointment of Raj Singh Badhesha in Fresno County in 2024 had earlier signalled this shift. However, in Kern County, Rai’s elevation carries particular significance, serving as both a symbol of inclusion and a bridge between cultures.