Latest news with #NorthZoneRegionalConference
Time of India
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Time of India
We have forgotten the past, aberration of last 33 years should not haunt us anymore: Advocate GA Lone
Prominent advocate from Jammu and Kashmir Ghulam Ahmad Lone said the situation in the region has haunted lawyers for long and only four to five lawyers from J&K and Ladakh have been elevated to the bench of the High Court in the last 33 years. Lone, was speaking in presence of Chief Justice of India Bhushan Ramkrishna Gavai and other legal luminaries at the North Zone Regional Conference organised by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in collaboration with the High Court of J&K and Ladakh and J&K Legal Services Authority at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre on the banks of Dal Lake in Srinagar. 'The Bar Association worked in harmony with the High Court since its inception in 1928 and provided justice to all without fear, favor or ill will…unfortunately we had an aberration in the last decade of the 20th century (in J&K). The whole apparatus was affected so were the lawyers. We have changed now but those aberrations are still haunting us,' said Lone. He further explained, 'they are haunting us because in the last 33 years there are only four to five lawyers from J&K and Ladakh who have been elevated to the bench of the High Court.' He said CJI's remarks that lawyers from this region (J&K and Ladakh) were as brilliant as lawyers from other parts of the country was encouraging and if that is so the 'past aberrations should no longer haunt the lawyer community.' 'We are one with you. We want to work in harmony and with dedication and uphold principles of law and constitution. We are committed to that,' said Lone adding, 'we make a pledge here that we have forgotten the past.' He quoted famous Persian poet-philosopher and jurist Maulana Rumi saying, 'Yesterday I was clever and I wanted to change the world. Today I am wise and I want to change myself.' Lone also delved into the history of J&K and genesis of the legal system here which he claimed was formally introduced by the Dogra rulers of the region. 'Kashmir, as per Raj Tarangini of Kalhana, is a civilization and culture since 2000 to 3000 BC. We then witnessed a Sufi movement that proclaimed omnipotence and omnipresence of God and taught us to respect people irrespective of race, culture, caste, language or religion. We still uphold those principles,' said Lone. He further added that the region witnessed 'several invasions by Mughals, Afghans and Sikhs.' 'None of them left any legacy. They came, ruled the region and left. They did not give us any legal jurisprudence or any legal system. It is not mentioned in any history book,' said Lone adding, 'then after 1846 Dogra rulers were the first to introduce administrative, judicial and revenue systems here and provided laws, which we are still following.' 'Dogra rulers started the High Court in 1928. They also formed the Board of Judicial Advisors, who would hear appeals against the High Court,' said Lone, adding, 'You would understand the system of justice and fairness we had that the then Maharaja has not even once, to my knowledge, objected to decision of their (High Court and Board) and accepted their orders despite being a monarch.'
United News of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
CJI Gavai, SC judges call for Bar-Bench unity, women-led legal future
Srinagar, Jul 27 (UNI) In a powerful show of judicial unity and commitment to inclusive legal reform, Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai and several Supreme Court judges converged in Srinagar for the North Zone Regional Conference organised by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in collaboration with the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Held at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), the conference titled 'In Conversation with the Bar: A Shared Vision for Legal Transformation' aimed to strengthen collaboration between the Bar and Bench in delivering justice to the most vulnerable sections of society, particularly in frontier regions. 'Presiding over the conference, Chief Justice Gavai, who also serves as Patron-in-Chief of NALSA, emphasised the judiciary's constitutional mandate to ensure last-mile access to justice, especially for marginalised and underprivileged communities. 'NALSA, under the leadership of Justice Surya Kant and in future, Justice Vikram Nath, will continue to pave the way for a stronger, more inclusive justice delivery system,' CJI Gavai said. 'Women empowerment remains a cornerstone of this vision,' he added. He concluded his address with a stirring call for national integration, quoting the iconic lyric, 'Chhodo kal ki baatein, kal ki baat purani, aao milkar likhein nayi kahani, hum hain Hindustani.' Delivering the keynote address, Justice Surya Kant, Executive Chairman of NALSA, highlighted the growing presence of women in the legal profession in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. 'The future of the justice delivery system in this region will largely be led by women, whether from the Bar or on the Bench,' he declared, celebrating the emerging generation of women advocates and judges as torchbearers of reform. The conference also featured insights from several other Supreme Court judges, each of whom focused on key structural and regional concerns: Justice N. Kotiswar Singh advocated for a dedicated High Court bench in Ladakh and enhanced infrastructure for women advocates, including exclusive chambers. Justice Rajesh Bindal called for upgrading technological infrastructure across the district courts of J&K and Ladakh. Justice P.S. Narasimha emphasised that 'the Bar and Bench are two wheels of the same chariot,' lauding the adaptability and dedication of the legal community. Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Pamidighantam Sri Narasimha also addressed the gathering, reinforcing NALSA's vision of inclusive justice rooted in grassroots engagement. Chief Justice Arun Palli of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh welcomed the dignitaries and acknowledged the enthusiasm and intellectual depth of the region's young legal professionals. 'Our young lawyers possess clarity of thought and a strong command over law, while our senior advocates continue to uphold the highest standards of professionalism,' he said. The conference marked a significant milestone in NALSA's ongoing efforts to democratise access to justice in remote and underserved areas. With the presence of the Chief Justice of India, multiple Supreme Court judges, and regional judicial leadership, the event sent a clear message: that the Bar and Bench are united in their mission to strengthen legal empowerment, promote gender inclusion, and modernise judicial infrastructure in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. UNI SNG SSP
New Indian Express
2 days ago
- Politics
- New Indian Express
Kashmir is paradise on earth, Sufism promoted secularism: CJI Gavai
SRINAGAR: Chief Justice of India Justice B R Gavai on Sunday described Kashmir as 'Paradise on Earth' and said that Sufism has truly promoted secularism in the country. While addressing the North Zone Regional Conference of the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in Srinagar, the CJI began his speech with the famous Persian couplet: 'Agar firdaus bar roo-e zameen ast, Hameen ast-o hameen ast-o hameen ast' (If there is a paradise on Earth, it is here, it is here and it is only here). 'I am happy that I am again getting the opportunity to meet you in Kashmir, which is known as paradise. Whenever I have visited Kashmir, I have received love from everybody,' he said. 'I feel like I have come to my hometown. I am thankful for all the love and affection showered on me. I have been to all parts of Jammu and Kashmir, and Ladakh,' he added. 'Kashmir's valleys, mountains, rivers, streams, if we see these, it can be safely said that Kashmir is a true paradise.' The CJI spoke about Kashmir's 3,000-year-old civilisational heritage and its rich culture. He credited Sufism for upholding the values of secularism as enshrined in the Constitution of India. 'Sufism has truly promoted secularism,' he asserted. Referring to secularism in Jammu and Kashmir, the CJI said, 'In Dargahs, every section of society, including Hindus, Muslims or Sikhs, go. Similarly, people of every religion go to Mandirs and Gurudwaras.' Justice Gavai lauded the efforts of NALSA and the J&K Legal Services Authority for convening the interaction. He also reflected on the legal and administrative foundation laid in the region as early as 1846, calling it one of the oldest and most structured legal systems in India. 'From 1928 till before the independence of the country, a high court had been established here and the Maharajas here also respected the orders passed by the high court,' he said. 'In the country's Constitution, we have promised ourselves justice, political, social and economic. We are bound to see that justice is implemented in its true spirit. The legal fraternity needs to have a commitment to the true values of the Constitution,' he added. The CJI said that while Babasaheb B R Ambedkar brought about political justice by adopting the principle of 'one person, one vote and one value', the author of the Constitution also spoke about social compartmentalisation and the difficulty of moving from one compartment to another. 'Our society has been divided into different compartments. The entry from one compartment to another is nearly impossible. On the economic front, our wealth is concentrated in a few hands while the vast majority of the people find it difficult to have two meals a day. We will have to eliminate this inequality and bring about social and economic equality in the true sense. We all have to remain committed to this — whether it is the executive, legislature or judiciary. We are bound to see to it that social and economic justice is implemented in true spirit in this country,' he said. Indirectly referring to the situation in Kashmir over the last 35 years, the CJI said there have been aberrations that need to be undone. 'There have been aberrations, but we have to work to remove these. This dialogue between judges and lawyers will give a new perspective. I am sure this programme will help in rebuilding the traditional and undivided Kashmir where all communities, Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs, used to live together,' he said. Asserting that lawyers and judges are like two wheels of the golden chariot of justice, the CJI said, 'If you span one wheel, the efficacy of the entire chariot comes to a standstill. For this, lawyers and judges should work together to give justice to the people who live in the last village of this country. Unless people have the knowledge of their rights, the rights are of no use.' In a key policy suggestion, the CJI urged the Chief Justice of the J&K High Court to consider establishing a separate bench for the Union Territory of Ladakh, acknowledging the consistent demand raised by the Ladakh Bar.
United News of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- United News of India
SC launches Veer Parivaar Sahayata Yojana 2025 in Srinagar
Srinagar, Jul 26 (UNI) The Supreme Court of India today marked a historic step in expanding legal aid to the nation's armed forces and tribal communities with the formal launch of Veer Parivaar Sahayata Yojana 2025 at the North Zone Regional Conference on 'Reaffirming the Constitutional Vision of Justice for Defence Personnel and Tribals'. The event was organised by the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) in collaboration with the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and the J&K Legal Services Authority at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre (SKICC), Srinagar. Presiding over the landmark event, Justice Surya Kant, Judge, Supreme Court of India & Executive Chairman, NALSA, set an inspirational tone with a quote from Kashmiri Sufi poet Peerzada Ghulam Ahmad Mahjoor, calling upon the nation to cultivate a 'spring of unity, compassion, and justice.' He said, 'This gathering in Kashmir is not just about technical discussions; it is about national integration and honouring the selfless service of our armed forces.' Justice Surya Kant described Veer Parivaar Sahayata Yojana 2025 as a 'historic milestone' in NALSA's three-decade-long mission to extend justice to marginalized citizens. 'Our jawans face land disputes, service entitlements, and matrimonial issues, just like any other citizen. But their service conditions make legal access harder. This scheme is our solemn pledge to stand by them,' he said. He detailed the three key pillars of the scheme: Dedicated Legal Services Clinics at Zilla, Rajya, and Kendriya Sainik Boards. Trained Nodal Officers and Legal Counsels, including ex-servicemen, to offer timely and empathetic assistance. Digital mechanisms like online mediation, e-Lok Adalats, and legal portals to ensure quick redressal. Quoting Article 39A of the Constitution, Justice Kant reminded the gathering, 'If we fail to extend this support to our jawans and their families, we fail in our constitutional duty. Just as they safeguard our freedom, we must safeguard their dignity and rights.' Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, the Guest of Honour, praised the initiative, saying it echoes the government's focus on inclusive justice and digital empowerment. 'This is a true representation of 'Sabka Nyay',' he said. Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Justice Arun Palli, welcomed the judiciary's efforts to leverage technology to prioritise and fast-track cases involving defence personnel. The conference was graced by a strong contingent of Supreme Court judges including, Justice B.R. Gavai, Chief Justice of India, who arrived in Srinagar earlier today; Justice P.S. Narasimha, Justice Rajesh Bindal and Justice N. Kotiswar Singh. CJI Gavai, while in Srinagar, also attended two key public engagements: At 10:30 AM: In Conversation with the Bar, a NALSA dialogue at SKICC. At 2:00 PM: Mega Alumni Meet at the University of Kashmir's Convocation Complex in Hazratbal. Other notable attendees and speakers at the event included: Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority, who discussed tribal outreach under the SAMVAD initiative. Justice Sindhu Sharma, Executive Chairperson, Ladakh Legal Services Authority. Lt. Gen. Pratik Sharma, GOC-in-C, Northern Command, who hailed the scheme as a game-changer for the welfare of soldiers and their kin. Lieutenant Governor of J&K Shri Manoj Sinha offered full support from the UT administration, declaring: 'This initiative ensures that the Army and their families are not left behind in their legal struggles.' The launch of Veer Parivaar Sahayata Yojana 2025 stands as a testament to the judiciary's evolving and inclusive role in national service—extending not just justice, but dignity, to those who defend the nation. UNI SNG
Time of India
2 days ago
- Politics
- Time of India
Nalsa conference: CJI Gavai calls for awareness of rights; urges restoration of Kashmir's communal harmony
File photo: CJI Gavai (Picture credit: PTI) Chief Justice of India BR Gavai on Sunday stressed that rights hold no value without awareness, and underlined the need to rebuild the Kashmir of the past, where all communities lived together in peace. Speaking at the North Zone Regional Conference of the National Legal Services Authority (Nalsa) in Srinagar, CJI Gavai urged the legal fraternity to work towards ensuring justice for every citizen, particularly those in the remotest corners of the country. 'The judges and lawyers together have to ensure justice for the last citizen of the country,' he said. 'The Nalsa works in this direction, and we try to take the Nalsa work to remote areas of the country -- be it in Ladakh, the Northeast or Rajasthan. Unless people have the knowledge of their rights, the rights are of no use', he added. In what appeared to be a reference to the decades of unrest in Kashmir, he noted that 'there have been aberrations,' but called for efforts to remove them. 'This dialogue between judges and lawyers will give a new perspective. I am sure this programme will help in rebuilding the traditional Kashmir where all communities—Hindus, Muslims and Sikhs—used to live together,' he said, as quoted by news agency PTI. CJI Gavai also reminded the gathering of the Constitution's promise of justice, political, social, and economic and said that judges and lawyers must commit themselves to upholding these principles in their true spirit. He credited BR Ambedkar for establishing political justice through the principle of 'one person, one vote' but also acknowledged the persistent social divisions that remain difficult to overcome. Reflecting on his visits to the region, he said, 'I feel like I have come to my hometown. I am thankful for all the love and affection showered on me. The tradition of Sufism here promotes secularism as enshrined in the Constitution.' Responding to concerns raised by representatives from the Bar in Ladakh, Jammu, and Kashmir, CJI Gavai assured them that although he may not have direct authority to act, he would pass the feedback on to the Collegium and other relevant bodies. The legal summit was hosted at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Convention Centre (SKICC) in Srinagar and is the second major Nalsa event in the region after last year's All India Legal Services Meet. A legal awareness camp for tribal communities is also planned as part of the outreach.
