Srinagar, Aug 15 (KNO): The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh celebrated the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour, enthusiasm and a spirit of unity at the High Court Complex, Srinagar.
The celebrations commenced with the hoisting of the National Flag by Acting Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Sanjeev Kumar in presence of Judges of the High Court, former Judges, Senior Advocates, Judicial Officers, Government Advocates, officers of the Civil and Police Administration, officers and officials of the Registry, members of the Bar and other dignitaries.
A distinctive feature of this year’s celebrations was the participation of lawyers representing all districts of the Kashmir Valley in the Independence Day function at the High Court. The initiative brought representatives of the legal fraternity from across the Valley together at the Srinagar Wing on the national occasion, lending the celebrations a wider and more inclusive character.
As part of the programme, the Advocates representing their respective districts addressed the gathering, sharing their perspectives and highlighting concerns relating to the legal fraternity and the functioning of the justice delivery system in their districts. The interaction provided an institutional platform for representatives of the district Bars to articulate issues of relevance and facilitated direct and constructive engagement between the Bench and the Bar.
The Acting Chief Justice addressed the gathering and responded to the concerns and suggestions raised by the representatives of the district Bars. He assured the members of the legal fraternity that every possible effort would be made to appropriately address their genuine concerns and requirements. He emphasised the importance of sustained cooperation between the Bench and the Bar in strengthening the administration of justice.
In his address, the Acting Chief Justice highlighted the significant strides made in strengthening the judicial infrastructure and modernising the justice delivery system across the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Referring to the past eighteen months as a period of purposeful transformation, he outlined several initiatives undertaken under the e-Courts Project. This included Paperless Courts project in 20 Principal District and Sessions Courts, expansion of e-filing and digitisation of judicial records, establishment of e-Sewa Kendras and deployment of advanced audio-visual and video-conferencing facilities.
He also emphasised that infrastructure development continues to remain a key priority of the High Court, with substantial investments being made towards new court complexes, judicial residences and facilities for litigants. Particular reference was made to the new High Court Complex at Bemina, Srinagar, which is envisaged as a state-of-the-art judicial campus equipped to meet the evolving requirements of the justice delivery system.
The Acting Chief Justice also highlighted the achievements and initiatives of the J&K Legal Services Authority and the J&K Judicial Academy, underscoring their important role in strengthening the justice delivery framework. He acknowledged the contribution of the Legal Services Authority in advancing access to justice and taking legal services to the grassroots through an extensive network of panel lawyers, Para Legal Volunteers and Legal Aid Clinics.
Referring to the assistance extended to thousands of beneficiaries, including prisoners, victims of crime, tribal communities and defence personnel, the Acting Chief Justice reiterated the judiciary’s commitment to ensure that justice remains accessible, affordable and effective for every citizen. The efforts undertaken through legal aid, legal awareness and outreach programmes, alternative dispute resolution mechanisms and other initiatives were highlighted as integral to make the justice delivery system more inclusive and responsive.
Addressing the role of the media in the digital age, the Acting Chief Justice urged the print, electronic and social media to exercise restraint, responsibility and institutional sensitivity while reporting the judicial proceedings and judgments. He cautioned against sensationalisation, selective presentation of judicial outcomes and attempts at personal glorification. He emphasised that the authority of a judgment flows from the Court and the law and that judicial proceedings and outcomes ought not to be converted into instruments of publicity or celebrity creation.
The address underscored that progress in the justice delivery system is a collective endeavour involving the Bench, Bar, Judicial Officers, Registry, Legal Services Institutions and other stakeholders.
The interaction with lawyers representing districts from across the Kashmir Valley further reinforced the importance of institutional cooperation, mutual understanding and regular engagement in identifying and addressing issues affecting the administration of justice. The coming together of the Bench and members of the Bar from across the Kashmir Valley on Independence Day resonated with the constitutional values of Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity and reflected their shared commitment to upholding these foundational ideals.
The celebrations concluded with a renewed resolve to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, strengthen the administration of justice and collectively advance the ideals of unity, equality and justice—(KNO)