Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Justice Tashi Rabstan, today visited Kulgam to conduct a comprehensive inspection of District Court Complex besides reviewing progress on construction of the new court complex in the district. The visit aimed to assess the adequacy of present judicial infrastructure and ensuring that the ongoing construction of new complex is proceeding as per schedule.
On his arrival, Justice Tashi Rabstan accompanied by M K Sharma, Principal Secretary was warmly welcomed and received by Aijaz Ahmad Khan, PDJ (Chairman, DLSA) Kulgam, Athar ul Shafi Khan, Deputy Commissioner, Kulgam, Sahil Sarangal, SSP, Kulgam, Parvaiz Iqbal Additional District and Sessions Judge, Muzamil Wani, Sub Judge, Secretary, DLSA Kulgam and others from legal fraternity and civil administration.
A ceremonial guard of honour was also accorded to the Chief Justice. During his visit, the Chief Justice examined the facilities available for litigants, lawyers and judicial officers in the district. He interacted with the judicial officers and legal professionals to gain insights into their concerns regarding space constraints and infrastructural needs.
Justice Tashi Rabstan emphasized the necessity of providing an enabling environment to ensure smooth functioning of the courts and better access to justice for the people of Kulgam. In an interaction with the judicial officers, the Chief Justice laid emphasis on uploading all details of cases for access to litigants to ease administration of justice.
He stressed upon the new judicial officers to perform their duty in a professional manner while ensuring speedy disposal of cases. The Chief Justice also participated in the special plantation drive by planting a Chinar sapling in ADR Complex after interacting with the Legal Aid Defense Counsels.
Justice Tashi Rabstan also inspected construction site of the new court complex, which is expected to significantly boost the district's judicial infrastructure. He reviewed the project status and issued on-spot instructions to the executing agency to expedite the construction process by adhering to timelines and quality standards.
He instructed the agency to complete the project as quickly as possible without compromising on structural integrity. The Chief Justice emphasized that the new court complex will be equipped with modern amenities, including digital facilities to streamline judicial processes and enhance the overall experience for litigants and legal professionals.
He pointed out that once completed, the complex will cater to the growing needs of the judiciary in Kulgam and provide a more efficient and accessible judicial system. In a meeting with senior officers from the Civil and Police Administration, including the Deputy Commissioner and Superintendent of Police, Justice Tashi Rabstan discussed issues related to judicial infrastructure, security of court premises and allocation of resources for development of additional facilities.
He stressed the importance of coordination between the judiciary and administration to ensure the timely completion of infrastructure projects. The Chief Justice further highlighted the High Court's commitment towards upgrading judicial infrastructure across the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh by ensuring that all court complexes are equipped with modern amenities, including digital facilities for e-courts and virtual hearings.
He called for collective efforts from all stakeholders to bridge any infrastructural gaps and ensure efficient court functioning.