Jammu & Kashmir HCBA Supports Relocation Of Courts To Raika, Stresses Infrastructural Development

The Jammu & Kashmir High Court Bar Association, 0Jammu (JKHCBAJ) has recently reached a resolution in favor of relocating district courts and other forums to Raika, along with the High Court.

The committee members, which include senior advocates and former bar presidents/office-bearers, have unanimously agreed on the necessity for infrastructural development and the creation of a more conducive working environment for the legal fraternity. It is worth mentioning that the Young Lawyers Association Jammu had previously resolved to stage a protest in the national capital if the current High Court complex were to be shifted to Raika. They argued that such a move would cause significant hardships for both legal professionals and the general public.

To clarify their stance on the matter, the JKHCBAJ has come to a unanimous decision that it does not oppose infrastructural development, specifically the construction of courts in Raika. A press note issued in this regard states that the members unanimously recognize their responsibility towards newcomers and those aspiring to ensure a better, state-of-the-art working environment for them.

“It was stressed by all the members that with the legal profession now being one of the most sought-after professions across the globe, the average annual law graduates in Jammu itself crosses several hundreds, and, therefore makes it imperative for a proportionate regular infrastructural growth”, the notification stated.

Taking into account the concerns raised regarding forest land and the preservation of trees, the members of the association have acknowledged the orders issued by the National Green Tribunal and the Supreme Court. These orders approved the diversion of forest land for the construction of the High Court and other complexes in Raika. With this in mind, the members have emphasized that decisions made by the courts should not be challenged through street protests. They have urged dissenters to refrain from inciting vulnerable individuals to protest against court orders. Additionally, the members have highlighted the importance of accommodating the District/Subordinate Courts, Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Tribunals, and Sub-Registrars under the Registration Act in Raika. They have called upon the elected team, led by the president, to advocate for this genuine demand and persuade the authorities accordingly. During the meeting, attention was also drawn to a case of misrepresentation in a local newspaper, where objections to the relocation of the courts were falsely attributed to the J&K High Court Bar Association Jammu. The association has emphasized the need for media houses, both print and online, to verify information with them before publishing any version. Given the significance of the matter and the association’s stature and dignity, accurate reporting is crucial.

At the conclusion of the meeting, a resolution was passed with a commitment to actively pursue the relocation of the District/Subordinate Courts, Central Administrative Tribunal (CAT), Sub-Registrars, and Tribunals to convenient locations in Raika. The objective is to ensure that lawyers and litigants have easy access to the justice dispensation system, aligning with the contemporary approach of delivering justice at the doorstep. The press note emphasized the association’s dedication to facilitating a more accessible and efficient legal process for all.