Known locally as “the Bako kid,” Rai is the son of immigrant parents from India and an alumnus of the University of California, Davis.

A Bridge Between Cultures: Navraj Singh Rai Appointed First Sikh Judge in Kern County History

In a historic milestone for the global Punjabi community, Navraj Singh Rai has been sworn in as the first Sikh pro tem judge of the Superior Court of California in Kern County. According to the report, the ceremony held last week marks the first time a Punjabi-Sikh has ever sat on the judicial bench in the county’s history.

Known locally as “the Bako kid,” Rai is the son of immigrant parents from India and an alumnus of the University of California, Davis. As a pro tem judge, Rai will handle various legal matters, applying expertise to ensure fairness and the rule of law. The report suggests that his appointment is seen as a cultural bridge in a region where a vibrant Sikh community has long contributed to agriculture, business, and civic life.

"The appointment has been welcomed by community organizations, including UNITED SIKHS and the Kern County Hindu Cultural Center, which described the move as a historic milestone for representation. 

The Tribune reported that Rai’s success is part of a growing presence of Sikhs in the California judiciary, following the 2024 appointment of Raj Singh Badhesha in Fresno County. However, for Kern County’s vibrant Punjabi community, Rai’s role on the bench marks a significant and resonant first.

Source: The Tribune