The Chief Justice of High Court of Jammu and Kashmir, Justice Gita Mittal today held interaction through Video Conference with Principal District and Sessions Judges of all the Districts of UTs of Jammu and Kashmir & Ladakh. Later, a separate interaction was held with personal staff of Judges of both the wings of the High Court of J&K through Video Conference.While interacting with Principal District & Sessions Judges, Chief Justice enquired about their well-being and at the same time advised them to follow all the necessary directions, instructions and precautions relating to corona-virus pandemic.Judicial officers were advised to use various Information technology tools like Speech to text Software in dictating orders, reading of online journals, hearing of cases of emergent nature through video conferencing facility etc. to overcome the impediments in the way of expeditious disposal of cases caused due to spread of Corona virus pandemic. Officers were advised to remain updated on legal issues by visiting online law journals and to devote their time in studying laws, statutes and latest judgments of superior courts.
Chief Justice exhorted upon Principal District Judges to coordinate with other judicial officers to formulate an action plan for expeditious disposal of old cases. Officers were directed to devote their time in identifying priority cases, discussing the ways and means to reduce pendency of cases and disposal of cases pertaining to weaker sections of the society as well as of under trail prisoners.Chief Justice also impressed upon Principal District & Sessions Judges to coordinate with District Legal Services Authority as well as District administration in locating stranded migrant laborers and other poor persons who are in immediate need of food, shelter and medical aid and to ensure that necessary aid is provided to them and all steps are taken at earliest to ensure that the stranded migrant laborers remain in constant touch with their family members.While interacting with the personal staff, Chief Justice emphasized the fact as to how the use of technology in the present crises can help judiciary in dispensation of Justice. The staff was advised to embrace the technology and to further hone their technical skills so as to effectively assist the Judges in hearing of cases of emergent nature through use of Video Conferencing. Chief Justice issued on spot directions to Registrar IT to impart online training to personal staff of the Judges in handling VC equipment.