Srinagar, Aug 15: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh celebrated the 80th Independence Day with patriotic fervour at the High Court Complex, Srinagar, with Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar unfurling the National Flag in the presence of Judges, former Judges, senior advocates, judicial officers, government advocates, members of the Bar and civil and police administration.

A key feature of this year’s celebrations was the participation of lawyers representing all districts of the Kashmir Valley. Representatives of district Bars addressed the gathering, highlighting issues concerning the legal fraternity and justice delivery in their respective areas.
The interaction provided a platform for direct engagement between the Bench and Bar. Responding to the concerns and suggestions, the Acting Chief Justice assured the legal fraternity that genuine issues would be addressed and stressed the importance of sustained cooperation between the Bench and Bar in strengthening the administration of justice.
In his address, Justice Sanjeev Kumar highlighted the progress made in judicial infrastructure and the modernisation of justice delivery across Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Referring to the past 18 months as a period of transformation, he outlined key initiatives under the e-Courts Project, including the introduction of paperless courts in 20 Principal District and Sessions Courts, expansion of e-filing, digitisation of judicial records, establishment of e-Sewa Kendras and deployment of advanced audio-visual and video-conferencing facilities.
He said infrastructure development remained a priority, with investments being made in new court complexes, judicial residences and facilities for litigants. He particularly highlighted the upcoming High Court Complex at Bemina, Srinagar, envisioned as a modern judicial campus equipped to meet future requirements.
The Acting Chief Justice also acknowledged the role of the J&K Legal Services Authority and J&K Judicial Academy in strengthening the justice delivery system. He highlighted legal aid and outreach initiatives benefiting thousands, including prisoners, victims of crime, tribal communities and defence personnel.
He reiterated the judiciary’s commitment to ensuring that justice remains accessible, affordable and effective for every citizen, while stressing the importance of legal awareness, alternative dispute resolution and grassroots legal services.
Addressing the media’s role in the digital era, Justice Sanjeev Kumar urged print, electronic and social media to exercise restraint and responsibility while reporting judicial proceedings and judgments. He cautioned against sensationalism, selective presentation of court outcomes and personal glorification, stressing that the authority of a judgment derives from the Court and the law.
He said strengthening justice delivery was a collective responsibility involving the Bench, Bar, Judicial Officers, Registry, legal services institutions and other stakeholders.
The participation of lawyers from across the Kashmir Valley, he noted, reinforced the importance of institutional cooperation and regular dialogue in addressing challenges confronting the justice system.
The celebrations concluded with a renewed commitment to uphold the Constitution and rule of law and advance the ideals of Justice, Liberty, Equality and Fraternity.