Srinagar, Aug 20: Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Thursday said the Union Cabinet’s decision to establish a bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in Ladakh will significantly improve access to justice for people living in the Union Territory’s remote and geographically challenging areas.
Shah said the decision, taken by the Union Cabinet under the leadership of Prime Minister NarendraModi, would reduce the time and burden involved for residents seeking judicial remedies.
“The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of the PM Shri @narendramodiJi, has decided to set up a bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir in Ladakh. This will significantly enhance access to justice for citizens living in remote areas of Ladakh by reducing the time required to avail themselves of the legal services they are entitled to,” Shah said in a post on X.
He said that the government remained committed to the all-round development of Ladakh and to ensuring constitutional safeguards for the Union Territory.
The decision assumes significance for residents of Leh and Kargil, who have faced considerable logistical and geographical challenges in accessing higher judicial forums since Ladakh became a separate Union Territory following the reorganisation of J&K in 2019.
The establishment of a bench within Ladakh is expected to make judicial proceedings more accessible to litigants, lawyers and other stakeholders by reducing the need for travel outside the Union Territory for matters before the High Court.
The move is also expected to strengthen the judicial infrastructure and legal ecosystem in Ladakh, with the proposed facilities likely to include courtrooms, registry infrastructure and other support facilities required for the functioning of the bench.
Legal practitioners and residents in the region have long sought greater judicial accessibility, particularly given Ladakh’s vast terrain, harsh weather conditions and long distances between settlements.
The Cabinet decision is being viewed as a significant administrative step towards bringing higher judicial services closer to the people of Ladakh.
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