PTI
New Delhi
The Union cabinet has decided to establish a High Court bench in Ladakh, a move aimed at improving access to justice in the Union territory, Home Minister Amit Shah said on Thursday, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to ensuring constitutional safeguards and the all-round development of the region.
Ladakh Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena welcomed the “historic decision” and expressed sincere gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the home minister. Shah announced the decision in a post on X, saying the bench of Jammu and Kashmir High Court would significantly enhance access to justice for people living in the remote and geographically challenging areas of Ladakh by reducing the time required to get legal services.
“The Union Cabinet, under the leadership of the PM Shri @narendramodi Ji, has decided to set up a bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir in Ladakh. This will significantly enhance access to justice for citizens living in remote areas of Ladakh by reducing the time required to avail themselves of the legal services they are entitled to.
“The government is fully committed to the all-round development of Ladakh and to ensuring constitutional safeguards,” the Home Minister said.
Officials said the establishment of a High Court bench is expected to address a long-standing demand for easier and faster access to the higher judiciary for people in Ladakh.
Responding to the announcement, Ladakh Lt Governor Saxena said the establishment of the high court bench would not only ensure speedy justice but would also reaffirm the government›s «unwavering commitment» to the all-round development of the UT.
«Sincere gratitude and heartfelt thanks to Prime Minister and Home Minister, for this historic decision! Establishing a High Court bench in Ladakh not only ensures speedy justice but reaffirms the government›s unwavering commitment to the all-round development of Ladakh and fulfilling the long-standing collective aspirations of its people,» he said in a post on X.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of continuing discussions over the political, administrative and constitutional future of Ladakh, with local stakeholders seeking stronger safeguards for land, employment, culture and political representation.
