Geographical distance must not become a barrier to justice delivery: : CJI Surya Kant

CJI virtually inaugurates newly established District Court Complex, Kargil

Leh, March 29, 2025: The Hon’ble Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, today virtually inaugurated the newly constructed District Court Complex at Kargil from the Conference Hall of Hotel Grand Dragon, Leh, marking a significant milestone in the judicial infrastructure of the Union Territory of Ladakh.

The ceremony was attended by the Hon”ble Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh, Shri Vinai Kumar Saxena; Hon ‘ble Mr. Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh; Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanieev Kumar: Honble Ms.Justice Sindhu Sharma; and Hon’ble Mr. Justice Shahzad Azeem, along with other Hon’ble Judges of the High Court who joined virtually. Hon”ble Mr. Justice Mohd.Yousuf Wani, Administrative Judge for District Kargil, participated physically from Kargil.

The proceedings commenced with the National Song and National Anthem, followed by the unveiling and formal reading of the commemorative plaque. A comprehensive 3D presentation showcased the architectural design and facilities of the complex, including courtrooms, administrative offices, and residential guarters.

In his address, the Chief Justice of India described the occasion as a landmark step towards strengthening access to justice in remote regions.

Emphasising that geographical constraints must not impede justice delivery, he observed that Kargil stands as a symbol of resilience. The newly inaugurated complex, he noted, represents not merely an augmentation of infrastructure but a qualitative enhancement of the justice delivery system, instilling renewed confidence among litigants.

Delivering the welcome address, Hon’ble the Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Justice Arun Palli, extending warm greetings to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India and expressed optimism regarding continued support for the expansion and modernisation of judicial infrastructure in the region.

The Hon’ble Lieutenant Governor, in his remarks, conveyed his deep appreciation to the Hon’ble Chief Justice of India for facilitating the inauguration. He underscored that, notwithstanding the virtual mode, the occasion carries profound significance. Characterising the complex as a symbol of the Govermment’s commitment to accessible and effective justice, he assured full administrative support to the judiciary and expressed hope for the Hon”ble Chief Justice’s future visit to Ladakh.

Hon’ble Mir. Justice Mohd. Yousuf Wani, Judge of the High Court of Jammu &Kashmir and Ladakh and Administrative Judge for District Kargil, proposed the vote of thanks, acknowledging the presence and contributions of all dignitaries. On behalf of the Hon ‘ble Chief Justice of India, he also handed over a symbolic key of a chamber in the lawyers’ chamber block to the senior-most Advocate, Haji Ghulam Murtaza.

The President, Bar Association, Kargil, Advocate Riyaz Ahmed Khan, conveyed his gratitude to the Hon’ ble Chief JIustice of India and the administration, describing the inauguration as a historic fulfilment of a long-pending demand. He expressed confidence that the new complex would substantially strengthen the justice delivery system in the district.

Dignitaries attending the event, both virtually and physically, included Dr. Mohd.Jaffer Akhoon, Hon’ble Chairman/Chief Executive Councillor (CEC), LAHDC, Kargil;Shri Ashish Kundra, Chief Secretary; Shri Mukesh Kumar, Director General of Police, UT Ladakh; Lieutenant General Hitesh Bhalla, GOC, 14 Corps; senior officers of the Armed Forces;Shri M.K. Sharma,Registrar General;Shri Basheer-ul-Hag, Administrative Secretary; Shri Qureshi Tarig Mahmood, Law Secretary; Shri Rajesh (APCC/CWOL), Leh; the Principal District and Sessions Judge, Kargil; the Deputy Commissioner and Senior Superintendent of Police, Kargil; judicial officers; members of the Bar; and officers of the civil, police, and prosecution departments.