Calls for timely and accessible Justice
BANDIPORA, JUNE 17: Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, Judge, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Administrative Judge for District Bandipora, today returned from Gurez and visited the newly established District Court Complex at Kaloosa, Bandipora.
Upon his arrival, He was received by Jeema Bashir, Principal District & Sessions Judge, Bandipora, along with other Judicial Officers of the District Judiciary.
An interaction programme with Judicial Officers and members of the Bar was organized in the Court Complex.
In her welcome address, Jeema Bashir, Principal District & Sessions Judge, Bandipora, highlighted the significance of the newly functional court complex for the justice delivery system in the district.
Advocate Sofi Feroz, while addressing the gathering, expressed gratitude to Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal for his continuous support and meaningful efforts which led to the early operationalization of the new District Court Complex. He also highlighted certain infrastructural requirements and facilities required for the smooth functioning of the court complex.
Addressing the gathering, Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal expressed happiness over the functioning of courts from the new court complex and emphasized that modern infrastructure should translate into better, more efficient and people-friendly justice delivery. He observed that while buildings and facilities are important, the true strength of the judiciary lies in the fairness of its decisions, integrity of judicial officers, dedication of advocates and the confidence reposed by the public in the justice system.
He stressed that justice is a constitutional right and every effort must be made to ensure that it reaches every citizen, particularly those residing in remote and far-flung areas. He called for greater legal awareness initiatives through the District Legal Services Authority so that people become aware of their rights and the remedies available under law.
Highlighting the issue of pendency of cases, Justice Nargal underscored the importance of timely disposal of matters and encouraged judicial officers and advocates to promote mediation and alternative dispute resolution mechanisms wherever appropriate. He observed that delayed justice amounts to denied justice and called upon all stakeholders to work collectively towards reducing case backlog.
Addressing young lawyers, He shared valuable insights from his own professional journey and advised them to uphold the highest standards of ethics, discipline, patience and integrity. He emphasized that success in the legal profession comes through hard work, perseverance and continuous learning. He urged young advocates to focus on earning respect through competence and professionalism rather than pursuing quick success, and reminded them that the legal profession is a noble calling dedicated to the cause of justice.
Justice Nargal also advised advocates to guide litigants towards amicable settlement of disputes through mediation wherever feasible, avoid frivolous litigation and always maintain the dignity of the legal profession.
Speaking to judicial officers, He highlighted the importance of maintaining the highest standards of impartiality, fairness and accountability. While acknowledging the growing role of technology and Artificial Intelligence in legal research and court administration, he cautioned that technology should only assist and never replace independent judicial reasoning and application of mind.
During his address, Justice Nargal placed on record his deep appreciation for the efforts of Principal District & Sessions Judge, Bandipora, and other judicial officers for ensuring the smooth and efficient transition of the District Judiciary to the newly established Court Complex. He made special mention of Indu Kanwal Chib, Deputy Commissioner, Bandipora, for her extraordinary commitment, leadership and personal involvement in the execution of the project. He observed that her contribution went far beyond the routine discharge of official responsibilities, as she continuously supervised and monitored the project from its conception to completion. He noted that at every stage she demonstrated exceptional sensitivity towards the requirements of the judicial institution and ensured that the work progressed with urgency, precision and dedication.
Justice Nargal remarked that her proactive approach and unwavering commitment enabled the Court Complex to become functional well ahead of the anticipated timeline and facilitated a smooth transition for all stakeholders. He stated that such dedication reflects the highest ideals of public service, where responsibility is measured not by designation but by commitment, vision and sincerity towards public welfare.
He further acknowledged the cooperation extended by Ajaz Ahmad Zargar, Senior Superintendent of Police, Bandipora, members of the Bar Association Bandipora, and all stakeholders associated with the successful functioning of the new court complex. He also appreciated the efforts of the Police Housing Corporation, engineers, architects, technicians and workers whose dedication transformed the project into reality.
Justice Nargal called upon all stakeholders to renew their commitment to the values of integrity, service, accountability and justice, expressing hope that the new court complex would serve as a symbol of efficient, accessible and people-centric justice delivery for generations to come.
The programme concluded with a Vote of Thanks presented by Adv. Iqbal Rubbani Bhat, Deputy Chief Legal Aid Defence Counsel, who expressed gratitude to Justice Nargal for his inspiring address, valuable guidance and unwavering commitment towards strengthening judicial infrastructure and administration of justice in District Bandipora. He also thanked the Principal District & Sessions Judge, Judicial Officers, members of the Bar and all participants for making the programme successful.
