In a significant step towards enhancing judicial infrastructure and accessibility, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Tashi Rabstan, inaugurated the Judicial Enclave at the District Court Complex in Kathua today. The enclave consists of five fully furnished apartments designated for Judicial Officers, aiming to provide dignified residences close to the Court Complex.
The inauguration ceremony saw the presence of Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Administrative Judge for Kathua district, Shahzad Azeem, Registrar General of the High Court, MK Sharma, Principal Secretary to the Chief Justice, Amit Gupta, Member Secretary of the J&K Legal Services Authority, and several Judicial Officers posted in the district.
Addressing the gathering, Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan underscored the importance of having well-maintained and accessible residences for judicial officers. He also called for the early completion of the ongoing Court Complex at Kathua and other court buildings in the district, which are essential for providing adequate space and facilities for the functioning of courts. He emphasized that the completion of these infrastructure projects would pave the way for a smoother and more efficient dispensation of justice.
A New Milestone in Kathua’s Judicial Development:
Justice Rajnesh Oswal, while expressing his happiness at the completion of the Judicial Enclave, lauded Chief Justice Rabstan for his visionary leadership in realizing this crucial project.
The ceremony included a warm welcome by Jatinder Singh Jamwal, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Kathua, who also provided a detailed overview of the Judicial Enclave and other infrastructural developments in the district. He extended his gratitude to all the dignitaries present, including officers from the High Court Registry, Deputy Commissioner Kathua, and Senior Superintendent of Police Kathua.
Legal Services Activity Calendar 2025 Released:
In a parallel event, Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan also unveiled the Activity Calendar 2025 of the Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority. The calendar outlines the roadmap for various legal awareness programs, legal aid initiatives, and outreach activities planned for the year across the Union Territory. Notably, it highlights dates for National and Special Lok Adalats, social justice awareness campaigns, and initiatives to promote alternative dispute resolution mechanisms.
During the ceremony, Justice Rabstan commended the J&K Legal Services Authority for its continued efforts to bridge the gap between legal institutions and marginalized communities. Justice Atul Sreedharan, Executive Chairman of the J&K Legal Services Authority, joined the event virtually from Srinagar and emphasized the role of the calendar in ensuring timely execution of legal aid services and expanding legal literacy.
Looking Ahead: The calendar focuses on key areas such as:
- Legal assistance for prisoners
- Empowerment of women and children
- Awareness campaigns on cyber laws and environmental justice
- Rehabilitation of crime victims
- Special campaigns launched by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA)
The release of the Activity Calendar marks a concerted effort by the legal community to enhance accessibility to justice, ensure legal literacy, and promote the rights of vulnerable groups across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Vote of Thanks and Acknowledgements: Pravin Pandoh, Additional District Judge Kathua, delivered the vote of thanks, extending gratitude to all dignitaries and making special mention of Parvez Malik and his team for their dedication in completing the Judicial Enclave project on time.
The event was organized by Amandeep Kour, Special Mobile Magistrate, Kathua, and was hailed as a significant step toward improving the judicial ecosystem in the region
