Strengthening Judicial Access in Ladakh: Constitutional Provisions and Administrative Decentralization
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President Droupadi Murmu has promulgated a new regulation under Article 240 to establish a High Court bench in Ladakh, aiming to enhance judicial accessibility for the Union Territory's residents.
In a significant move to bolster the judicial infrastructure of the Union Territory of Ladakh, President Droupadi Murmu has promulgated the 'Union Territory of Ladakh (Sitting of Bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh in Ladakh) Regulation, 2026.' This executive action, exercised under the powers conferred by Article 240 of the Constitution, provides the necessary legal framework for the common High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to conduct sittings within the Ladakh region.
Historically, litigants from Ladakh faced significant geographical and logistical challenges, often requiring travel to Srinagar or Jammu to access the High Court. This centralization of judicial services created a barrier to the fundamental right of access to justice. By enabling the High Court to hold sittings locally, the government is addressing the 'distance-to-justice' gap, which is a critical component of the 'Ease of Justice' initiative. This move aligns with the broader objective of bringing governance and judicial institutions closer to the citizens in remote and high-altitude regions.
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This article was curated using AI. While we strive for accuracy, please verify critical facts from official sources.