Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey was sworn in as the Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on Thursday.
The oath taking ceremony was held in the Kashmir International Convention Centre. “He took and subscribed to the oath of office before the Lieutenant Governor, UT of J&K, Manoj Sinha,” an official spokesperson said.
Reports said sitting judges and some retired judges of the High Court, judicial officers, Advocate General, lawyers and other dignitaries from civil and police department participated in the ceremony.
The Supreme Court collegium had recommended Justice Magrey’s elevation on September 28 and a resolution was passed by the Collegium headed by Chief Justice of India UU Lalit. The Supreme Court Collegium in its meeting held on 28th September, 2022 has recommended transfer of Dr S Muralidhar from Orrisa to Madras, and Pankaj Mithal from J&K to Rajasthan, a statement said.
In a separate statement, the SC Collegium recommended the elevation of Justice Magrey as Chief Justice of High Court of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh.
Justice Magrey was appointed as Permanent Judge of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir vide notification No. K.13021/01/2012-US.II dated 7th March, 2013 and took oath of office on 8th March, 2013.
According to the official website of high court. Justice Magrey was born on 8th December, 1960 in Village Wattoo, Tehsil Damhal Hanjipora, District Kulgam, Kashmir. He received school education in native village and did his Graduation and LL.B (Hon’s) from the University of Kashmir.
Justice Magray was enrolled as advocate in the year 1984 and started practicing law in the district courts, including Revenue Courts/Tribunals and simultaneously started conducting matters in the High Court.
He remained as standing counsel from 1986 onwards for the State Financial Corporation; Jammu and Kashmir Bank and SIDCO; Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences; Power Development Department; Service Selection Board; Jammu & Kashmir Wakf Board.
He was appointed as Additional Advocate General in Feb. 2003 with allocation for, General Administration Department, Health and Medical Education Department, Service Selection Board, State Public Service Commission, Estates Department, SKIMS and Vigilance Department; was appointed as Senior Additional Advocate General in September 2009 with additional charge of Home Department.
Justice Magray appeared and conducted important criminal, Division Bench and Full Bench matters involving important questions of law, on behalf of the State in the High Court as also in numerous appeals in the Supreme Court of India. He also appeared and conducted important Public Interest Litigation matters, constitutional matters, Service matters, Tax matters, Civil matters involving high stakes and important issues, Arbitration matters.
He also appeared in commissions of inquiry also on behalf of State of J&K etc; was appointed as Permanent Judge of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir vide notification No. K.13021/01/2012-US.II dated 7th March, 2013 and took oath of office on 8th March, 2013.