Chief Justice of India Surya Kant opened the first permanent High Court bench in Leh on Sunday, establishing a judicial presence within the Union Territory. LiveLaw reported that the ceremony occurred at the Melangthong High Court Complex, with attendance from senior Supreme Court judges, the J&K&L High Court Chief Justice, and the Attorney General. The Hindu noted that Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra viewed the development as a way to make legal proceedings more accessible to local residents.
The Chief Justice promised that the Supreme Court will schedule all cases arising from Ladakh on one specific day. This protocol aims to eliminate the financial burden of commuting to the national capital for legal teams. Once video conferencing infrastructure is sufficiently developed, attorneys from Leh and Kargil will be able to present arguments remotely. This setup allows the apex court to hear these matters on a daily basis without requiring physical presence in Delhi.
In his remarks, the CJI observed that for almost a hundred years, the High Court serving the region was situated beyond the Great Himalaya. During winter months, air travel was often the only option for reaching the court. He explained that for many litigants, the cost of the journey exceeded their legal fees, causing some to abandon their cases entirely. The new bench, located at an altitude of roughly 3,500 metres, represents a shift in bringing the judiciary to the people rather than requiring them to cross mountain passes.
The CJI emphasized that the bench must serve both Leh and Kargil to be considered truly effective. He highlighted the importance of technology, including electronic filing and text notifications, in assisting litigants in remote areas. However, he warned that digital tools should not exclude those unfamiliar with computers, suggesting that facilitation centres like e-Sewa Kendras provide necessary support. He also called for enhanced legal aid through village awareness camps and para-legal volunteers. Recalling his March visit to open new District Court complexes, the CJI described this new bench as a further effort to align judicial institutions with the needs of Ladakh's residents.