Leh, Oct 20: The Ladakh Bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh is scheduled to commence judicial hearings in Leh on Wednesday, October 21, marking the beginning of regular court proceedings at the newly inaugurated Bench.
The first hearings follow the formal inauguration of the Bench by Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant at Melongthang in Leh on October 18. The High Court had also held a ceremonial sitting in Leh on the occasion, presided over by Chief Justice Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati.
The commencement of hearings is expected to ease the burden on litigants from Ladakh who have had to travel to Srinagar or Jammu to pursue matters before the High Court. Difficult terrain, harsh weather conditions and travel expenses have long added to the challenges faced by people seeking judicial remedies.
The first sitting will mark an important step in bringing High Court proceedings closer to the people of Ladakh. The nature of the cases taken up and the outcomes of the initial hearings are expected to provide an early indication of how the Bench will function in practice. [KNT]
