Lawyers in Jammu have issued a press note expressing their opposition to the proposed relocation of the Jammu bench of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court complex from Janipur to Raika.
The Young Lawyers Association (YLA), Jammu, highlighted concerns over the misuse of government funds and the potential hardships it would cause for numerous lawyers.
The press release emphasized that relocating only the High Court complex while leaving the other courts in their current location would inconvenience advocates, litigants, and the general public, particularly elderly and female litigants.
It was further noted that a majority of the members of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association practice in both the High Court and the nearby district or subordinate courts.
“There is ample space for extension of court premises at present location in Janipur. If a new complex is constructed at existing location of the high court, it would be sufficient infrastructure for establishment of institutions like Special Tribunal, Armed Forces Tribunal, Consumer commission and other statutory tribunals which would facilitate all the sections of the society including advocates and litigants (sic),” the press note stated.
The lawyer-members recalled that the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Manoj Sinha, had previously given assurance that the current court premises would not be relocated.
Given this context, the lawyers have now collectively decided that if their legitimate and rightful demands are not addressed, they will bring their grievances to the attention of the Chief Justice of India. Importantly, the members stated that if their concerns are not resolved, they will also organize a protest at Jantar Mantar.
