Chief Justice of India Surya Kant inaugurated the newly established Ladakh Bench of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at Melongthang, Leh, marking a historic milestone for the administration of justice in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
This development aims to bring justice closer to the region’s people, particularly those in remote areas, by reducing the time, expense and difficulties associated with traveling to Srinagar or Jammu for judicial proceedings.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by senior judicial and government officials including Justice MM Sundresh, Justice PS Narasimha and Justice Arun Palli of the Supreme Court of India; Attorney General R Venkataramani; Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena; Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh; and other High Court judges and dignitaries. The event was also joined by former Chief Justice Justice Tashi Rabstan, senior civil administration, police and army officers, as well as representatives from the local bar associations.
Following a ceremonial Guard of Honour, the Chief Justice unveiled an inauguration plaque and was given a guided tour of the Court Complex. The formal proceedings began with the National Song and National Anthem, followed by a welcome address from Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati.
Justice Bhati highlighted that improving access to justice was the primary motivation behind establishing the Ladakh Bench. He noted, “Under the visionary leadership of the CJI, the establishment of a constitutional Court in one of the highest-altitude regions of the world marked a historic milestone in bringing justice closer to the people, particularly those residing in remote and geographically challenging areas of Ladakh.”
In a virtual segment, the Chief Justice inaugurated the Green Wall initiative, symbolizing the judiciary’s commitment to environmental conservation. Planters were presented to dignitaries and a short video was screened to mark the occasion.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena described the creation of the Ladakh Bench as “a historic milestone in strengthening access to justice in the region.” He also emphasized the importance of the Green Wall initiative for promoting ecological sustainability in Ladakh.
Justices Sundresh, Narasimha, Palli, and Attorney General Venkataramani addressed the gathering.
The Chief Justice launched four significant initiatives: the Green Wall, the e-Filing Portal, the Document Management System (DMS) for the Ladakh Bench, and the Online Recruitment Portal of the High Court. The e-Filing Portal enables advocates and litigants, particularly from remote areas, to file cases electronically without traveling to the court. The DMS facilitates digital management of judicial records. The Recruitment Portal aims to enhance transparency and efficiency in court and district judiciary staff appointments.
The Ladakh Bench will operate as a fully IT-enabled, paperless court with modern digital infrastructure. The Court Complex includes a Digitization Centre, Filing Counter, Bar Room, Litigants’ Sitting Area, Conference Room and Video Conferencing Room to support effective judicial processes.
Chief Justice Surya Kant also initiated the installation of solar power systems at 11 locations, demonstrating the judiciary’s commitment to renewable energy and sustainable infrastructure.
In his presidential address, the Chief Justice stressed the importance of technology and legal aid in ensuring access to justice in Ladakh and commended the newly launched e-Initiatives for overcoming geographical challenges.
The program concluded with a vote of thanks by Ashish Kumar Kundra, Chief Secretary of Ladakh, followed by the National Song and National Anthem.
The inauguration of the Ladakh Bench, alongside the launch of digital and infrastructure projects, marks a significant advancement in Ladakh’s judicial history. It underscores the judiciary’s dedication to accessible, efficient, technology-driven, and citizen-centric justice, ensuring that geographical distance and difficult terrain do not obstruct the administration of justice.