WASHINGTON: Indian-American Manish Shah has been confirmed by the U.S. Senate as a federal judge in Illinois, becoming the first South Asian federal judge in the 5th most populous state of America.

Shah, 40, was confirmed by the Senate by 95-0 votes. "His experience as a prosecutor and in various leadership positions at Chicago's U.S. Attorney's office will ensure Shah is a knowledgeable jurist who will provide a fair forum for the resolution of civil disputes and the prosecution of alleged crimes," Illinois senator Mark Kirk said in a statement after the confirmation.

An assistant U.S. attorney in the northern district of Illinois since 2001, New York-born Shah currently serves as chief of the Criminal Division, having previously served as chief of criminal appeals from 2011 to 2012.

Shah was also deputy chief of the Financial Crimes & Special Prosecutions Section from 2008 to 2011 and deputy chief of the General Crimes Section from 2007 to 2008.

Speaking on the Senate floor, senator Dick Durbin, another Illinois senator, said Shah is an outstanding nominee.

"He has the experience, qualifications and integrity to serve with distinction on the federal bench. Shah's nomination is also a historic one. Upon confirmation, he will be the first Article III judge of South Asian descent to serve in the state of Illinois. In short, Shah is an excellent nominee and I hope my colleagues will join me in voting to confirm him," Durbin said.
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