Chief Justice Lays Foundation Stone For New HC Complex

Srinagar: Chief Justice of India (CJI) N. V. Ramana on Saturday laid the foundation stone for the new High Court complex at Rakhe Gund Aksha, Bemina Srinagar.

The new High Court Complex at Srinagar being constructed on 500 Kanals (62.50 acres) of Land is expected to meet twin objectives of strengthening the judicial infrastructure and housing diverse legal facilities at one place besides decongesting the Srinagar City.

Apart from the High Court Complex, the allied infrastructure like Mediation Centre, Arbitration Centre, Litigants Facilities, Food Court, Police and Security infrastructure, Staff accommodation for judicial administration, Utility Buildings, Convention Facilities, Parking Spaces and Spaces for fire station are also likely to come up in the proposed plan of construction. The upcoming infrastructure will have universal accessibility and will be equipped with all the modern gadgets including the latest ICT set-up.

During his address, CJI emphasized on the need for development and modernization of infrastructure to meet the demands and the growing needs of modern India. CJI maintained that peace shall only prevail, when people's dignity and rights are recognized and protected.

Highlighting the importance of making courts inclusive and accessible, the CJI said that the constitutional ideal of access to justice would stand defeated if justice delivery mechanism is not swift and affordable.

Commenting on the speedy resolution of issues he said that speedy adjudication of disputes is the hallmark of a healthy democracy. The CJI called upon the Judges, Judicial officers and Lawyers to play a significant role in making justice a reality.

Terming technology as a strong aid to the judiciary, the CJI said that the virtual courts are bridging the gaps of accessibility by reducing the time, cost and distance. The judiciary must be at its innovative best to ensure that the challenges to its working are met with just and constitutional measures, he added.

Sharing his experiences of visiting J&K, the CJI lauded the hospitality of the people and said that J&K has produced many eminent Jurists and Judges. “J&K is the confluence of religion that is at the heart of our plurality and needs to be sustained and cherished,” he said.

Speaking on the occasion, Union Minister of Law & Justice, Shri Kiren Rijiju termed the occasion as a great day for Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.