J&K And Ladakh High Court Marks Ladakh Bench Inauguration With Ceremonial Sitting At Leh

The occasion marked a significant milestone in bringing constitutional justice closer to the people of the Union Territory.

Several judges of the High Court attended the proceedings, including Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Justice Sindhu Sharma, Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Justice Sanjay Dhar, Justice Mohd. Akram Chowdhary, Justice Rahul Bharti, Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, Justice Rajesh Sekhri, Justice Mohd. Yousuf Wani, Justice Sanjay Parihar, Justice Shahzad Azeem and Justice Yash Paul Bourney.

Addressing the Ceremonial Bench, Deputy Solicitor General of India, Jammu Wing, Vishal Sharma, described the establishment of the Ladakh Bench as a reaffirmation of the constitutional promise of accessible justice and the rule of law.

Deputy Solicitor General of India, Srinagar Wing, Tahir Majid Shamsi, traced the evolution of judicial institutions in Ladakh since 2019. He observed that regular judicial sittings, digital facilities and legal aid would substantially alleviate the hardships faced by litigants.

Advocate Gonbo Stobgyal, President of the Bar Association, Leh, termed the occasion the fulfilment of a long-cherished aspiration of the people of Ladakh and assured the Bar's fullest cooperation in the effective administration of justice.

Advocate Reyaz Ahmad Khan, President of the Bar Association, Kargil, described the establishment of the Bench as a historic milestone and acknowledged the sustained efforts of the judicial leadership in bringing justice closer to the people.

Chief Justice Bhati described the establishment of the Ladakh Bench as the realisation of a decades-long aspiration for accessible, inclusive and equitable justice. He observed that the people of Ladakh had long endured difficult terrain, harsh climatic conditions and substantial travel expenses to pursue their cases at Srinagar and Jammu.

The Chief Justice said the establishment of a permanent Bench would ensure that geographical isolation no longer translated into judicial exclusion.

He expressed gratitude to Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant for his leadership and acknowledged the collective efforts of the Union Government, the Ministry of Law and Justice and the Union Territory Administration in bringing the initiative to reality.

He emphasised the responsibility of the Bench and the Bar to uphold constitutional values, safeguard the rights of vulnerable sections and preserve Ladakh's fragile environment.

On the occasion, the Full Court adopted a resolution emphasising access to education and the provision of safe, accessible and affordable residential facilities for girl students in Ladakh, particularly those from remote areas.

Recognising challenges arising from geographical remoteness, long travel distances and inadequate accommodation, the Full Court called for enhanced legal awareness and coordinated efforts among educational institutions, legal services authorities and other stakeholders to ensure equal educational opportunities. The resolution also requested the Regular Bench to take further action in the matter.

The proceedings were attended by the spouses of the High Court judges, Additional Solicitors General of India Aishwarya Bhati and Archana Pathak Dave, officers of the High Court Registry, Law Secretary of the Union Territory of Ladakh Jatinder Jamwal, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Leh, Spalzes Angmo, and Principal District and Sessions Judge, Kargil, Sheikh Gowhar Hussain, along with judicial officers.

The proceedings of the Ceremonial Bench were conducted by Registrar General of the High Court M.K. Sharma.