Ladakh Establishes High Court Bench Nearly 100 Years After JK HC

In a significant development for residents of Ladakh, a new bench of the High Court has been inaugurated in Leh. Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant officiated the opening ceremony on 15 October 2023. This establishment marks a historic moment for the region, nearly a century after the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir was set up in 1920.

The Chief Justice highlighted the geographical challenges that the people of Ladakh have faced regarding access to justice. He noted that, until now, the High Court was located far beyond the Great Himalayas, making it accessible only by air during winter months.

Justice Kant pointed out that while the inclusion of ‘Ladakh’ in the high court’s name following its designation as a Union Territory in 2019 was an important step, it remained largely symbolic without a functioning court in the region. He stated, "A name on a court’s letterhead is not the same as a court at one’s doorstep." The new bench is expected to serve both Leh and Kargil, the two districts that make up the Union Territory.

The Chief Justice emphasised the importance of accessibility, stating, "The true measure of a court is not its geographical elevation but its accessibility to the people it serves." He revealed that the new bench would also facilitate virtual access to the Supreme Court for lawyers from the region, allowing them to present their cases without needing to travel to New Delhi.

Justice Kant remarked that this technological advancement in legal proceedings would spare both lawyers and litigants the time and expense typically associated with travel. He stressed that all matters originating from Ladakh would be listed on a single day for hearings via video conferencing technology.

Reflecting on the historical context, Justice Kant mentioned a Special Court established in Leh in 1870, reiterating that although that institution has faded from memory, the challenges faced by local residents in accessing justice have persisted.

He articulated the necessity for addressing legal disparities and stressed the role of technology in overcoming geographical barriers. The Chief Justice also highlighted the need for legal aid initiatives, asserting that no citizen should be denied justice due to socioeconomic constraints.

As part of his vision, Justice Kant encouraged the establishment of legal awareness camps and the involvement of para-legal volunteers to extend legal services to remote areas of Ladakh.

In closing, he expressed hope that one day, students in Ladakh would have the opportunity to argue cases in their local court or even serve as judges at the new bench. This aspiration, he suggested, would be a testament to the bench's integration into the community's fabric and its commitment to bringing justice closer to the people of Ladakh.