On July 11, Raj Singh Badhesha was officially appointed to the Fresno County Superior Court at Fresno City Hall through an enrobing ceremony. He became the first Sikh to wear the Judge’s robe in the history of Fresno County.
Sikh organizations including the Jakara Movement, the Sikh American Legal Defense and Education Fund (SALDEF), and the Sikh Coalition welcomed Badhesha’s appointment. “This appointment is a significant step towards greater representation and diversity within our judicial system,” said Harman Singh, the Executive Director of the Sikh Coalition. “Raj Singh Badhesha’s journey and achievements inspire us all and highlight the importance of inclusion and equality in all spheres of public service.”
Prior to his appointment, Badhesha earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco (formerly UC Hastings), before working as an Associate at the law firm of Baker Manock & Jensen, PC. Since 2012, he has worked in different roles at the Fresno City Attorney’s Office, his last appointment being Chief Assistant City Attorney in 2022.
Commenting on his appointment, Badhesha said, “It is my hope moving forward, that the Sikh youth present here today know that they can use this example and aspire to serve this county, this state, and this nation, in any position they wish to pursue.”
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