USA
Raj Singh Badhesha created history earlier this week by becoming the first Sikh appointed to the Fresno County Superior Court Bench in California. The former chief assistant city attorney was sworn in on July 15, also becoming the first person to be appointed from City Hall to the Bench in Fresno in more than 40 years. This milestone is not only significant for Fresno County but also holds national importance, symbolizing progress and representation for the Sikh community in the American legal system.
A Historic Appointment
Badhesha’s appointment to the Fresno County Superior Court Bench marks a significant achievement and reflects his exemplary career and dedication to the community. At his swearing-in ceremony, he expressed gratitude to those who supported his journey. “I thank all of you for your roles in my growth as an individual, as an attorney, and my ascent to the bench,” Badhesha said. He highlighted the importance of his journey, noting, “Wanting to be a judge and run a courtroom was something that I grew into. Because when I began my journey, a practicing Sikh like myself could not gain admission into a courthouse.”
National Significance and Inspiration
KSEE24 and CBS47 highlighted that Badhesha’s new role is also significant nationally. He hopes that his appointment will inspire Sikh youth across the country. “Today, it is my hope moving forward that the Sikh youngsters present here today know that they can use this as an example and they can aspire to serve this county, this state, and this nation in any position they wish to pursue,” he said.
Fresno Mayor Jerry Dyer emphasized that Badhesha’s appointment was based on merit, stating, “To see somebody from the Sikh community be elevated to the bench, the first one in Fresno county, it’s a historic moment, it’s momentous, but Raj got appointed not because he’s Sikh, but because of his qualities.”
Badhesha will also wear a traditional kirpan, a curved, single-edged blade that is an article of faith in the Sikh religion, as he serves in his new role.
An Impressive Journey
Badhesha’s journey to the bench is marked by academic excellence and community involvement. A native of Fresno County, Badhesha attended Sanger High School before becoming a President’s Scholar with the Smittcamp Family Honors College at California State University, Fresno. While at Fresno State, he participated in the Craig Honors Program, served as a Maddy Institute Scholar-Intern in Washington, D.C., and held multiple offices in ASI, Inc. He was also involved in the Alpha Kappa Psi professional business fraternity and the Sikh Student Association.
During his undergraduate studies, Badhesha took a semester to study North Indian classical music and Gurmat Sangeet in Punjab. He graduated magna cum laude with a B.S. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Marketing and a minor in Communication. He continued his education at UC Hastings College of the Law.
After graduate school, Badhesha returned to Fresno to practice law at Baker, Manock, and Jensen, PC, before transitioning to an in-house position with the City of Fresno. He currently resides with his family on their farm in Selma, alongside his wife, Upkar Kaur, and their two children.
A Pioneering Example
Raj Singh Badhesha’s appointment to the Fresno County Superior Court Bench stands as a pioneering example for the Sikh community and others striving for representation in the judiciary. His journey from a practicing attorney to a judge illustrates the possibilities that come with perseverance, dedication, and commitment to serving the community. As Badhesha takes on his new role, he embodies the hope and potential for future generations to break barriers and achieve their aspirations in any field they choose.
