Chief Justice stresses stronger Bench-Bar cooperation at Srinagar event

SRINAGAR, October 10: Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, on Saturday stressed the need for fearless, compassionate and timely delivery of justice while interacting with judicial officers and members of the legal fraternity in Srinagar.

During his interaction with judicial officers at the District Court Complex, Srinagar, the Chief Justice highlighted the judiciary’s role in safeguarding citizens’ rights, ensuring access to justice and maintaining public confidence in the justice delivery system.

He emphasised collective responsibility, mutual trust and institutional harmony for the effective functioning of courts, urging judicial officers to uphold the highest standards of judicial conduct and maintain a conducive working environment.

Justice Bhati expressed satisfaction with the professional competence and dedication of judicial officers serving in Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and underscored the importance of continuous learning and guidance from senior judicial officers.

Principal District and Sessions Judge Srinagar, Naseer Ahmad Dar, welcomed the Chief Justice on behalf of the district judiciary and reaffirmed its commitment to quality adjudication, timely disposal of cases and reducing pendency.

Later, the Chief Justice attended a felicitation programme organised by the Kashmir Advocates Association at the District Court Complex.

Association president Waseem Gul welcomed the Chief Justice and the newly appointed Principal District and Sessions Judge, Srinagar, and highlighted the importance of cooperation between the Bench and the Bar.

Gul said district courts remained the first accessible forum of justice for ordinary citizens and assured the Chief Justice of the association’s cooperation in strengthening the justice delivery system.

He also sought guidance on improving court infrastructure, enhancing facilities for lawyers and litigants, strengthening legal aid, promoting alternative dispute resolution and introducing structured training for young advocates.

The association president 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 stressed the importance of encouraging women advocates and ensuring their greater participation in the legal profession. Recalling the pioneering contribution of Cornelia Sorabji, he called for efforts to bring more women lawyers to the forefront.

The Chief Justice welcomed the association’s decision to induct women members into its Executive Committee and described lawyers as important custodians of access to justice and constitutional rights.

He also urged the legal fraternity to respond to changing societal expectations and embrace technology, warning that institutions that failed to adapt risked falling behind.

The programmes focused on strengthening cooperation between the judiciary and the Bar, improving access to justice and upholding the rule of law.