July 13: Raj Singh Badhesha has made history as the first Sikh appointed to the Fresno County Superior Court bench and the first Sikh judge in California to wear the traditional dastar, or Sikh headdress. His appointment, announced by Governor Gavin Newsom, fills the vacancy left by the retirement of Judge Jon N. Kapetan.
Badhesha’s legal career is distinguished by his extensive service in the Fresno City Attorney’s Office, where he held roles including Chief Assistant City Attorney since 2022. He also practiced law at Baker, Manock & Jensen from 2008 to 2012. Badhesha earned his Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, College of Law, San Francisco.
City Attorney Andrew Janz praised Badhesha’s broad-based legal knowledge and his ability to handle sensitive situations with tact and poise, highlighting his open-mindedness, thoughtfulness, and diplomatic nature. Badhesha’s appointment is celebrated by the Punjabi and Asian communities in the Central Valley, reflecting a commitment to diversity and representation in the judiciary.
In his statement, Badhesha expressed gratitude to Governor Newsom for the opportunity to serve and emphasized his dedication to justice, fairness, and community needs.
This landmark appointment is seen as a significant step towards greater inclusivity in the judicial system, marking a proud moment for the Sikh community in Fresno and across California.
