Srinagar, Oct 10: Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Dr Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, on Friday interacted with judicial officers at the District Court Complex, Srinagar, and later attended a felicitation programme organised by the Kashmir Advocates Association.

During his interaction with judicial officers, the Chief Justice emphasised the need to discharge judicial responsibilities fearlessly, compassionately and with an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.
He highlighted the judiciary’s vital role in safeguarding citizens’ rights, ensuring access to justice and maintaining public confidence in the justice delivery system. He stressed that collective responsibility, mutual trust and institutional harmony were essential for the effective functioning of courts.
Encouraging judicial officers to uphold the highest standards of conduct, he called for continuous learning, collaboration and a peaceful working environment. He also appreciated the competence and dedication of judicial officers serving in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Principal District and Sessions Judge Srinagar, Naseer Ahmad Dar, welcomed the Chief Justice and reaffirmed the district judiciary’s commitment to quality adjudication, timely disposal of cases and reducing pendency.
Later, the Kashmir Advocates Association felicitated the Chief Justice at the District Court Complex. Association President Advocate Waseem Gul welcomed him on behalf of the legal fraternity and also welcomed the newly appointed Principal District and Sessions Judge, Srinagar.
Highlighting the District Court’s role as the first accessible forum of justice for ordinary citizens, Gul stressed the importance of a constructive partnership between the Bench and the Bar.
He assured full cooperation in strengthening the justice delivery system and sought guidance on improving court infrastructure, enhancing facilities for lawyers and litigants, strengthening legal aid, promoting alternative dispute resolution and providing structured training for young advocates.
Gul also announced that the Association had accepted in principle the induction of five women lawyers into its Executive Committee, with the decision to be formalised shortly.
Addressing the gathering, Justice Bhati welcomed the interaction with members of the Bar and judiciary and stressed the need to encourage women advocates. Recalling the pioneering contribution of Cornelia Sorabji, he said women’s active participation was essential for the progress of the legal fraternity.
Appreciating the Association’s move to induct women into its Executive Committee, he described lawyers as vital custodians of constitutional rights and access to justice.
The Chief Justice also urged the legal fraternity to adapt to changing societal needs and embrace technology, cautioning that institutions risk falling behind if they fail to evolve.
The programmes reaffirmed the shared commitment of the Bench and the Bar to upholding the rule of law, strengthening access to justice and preserving the dignity and independence of the judiciary.