Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal inaugurates New Court Complex at Bandipora
BANDIPORA: In a landmark development for the justice delivery system in north Kashmir, Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, Judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Administrative Judge for District Bandipora, today inaugurated the newly constructed Court Complex at Bandipora.
The inauguration was held under the directions of the Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Justice Arun Palli, who had emphasized putting the completed building to immediate public use for the benefit of litigants and the general public.
On the occasion, Justice Nargal lauded the visionary leadership of Chief Justice Arun Palli and dedicated the new building to the people of Bandipora, acknowledging the Chief Justice’s commitment to strengthening judicial infrastructure across the Union Territory.
The ceremony was attended by Principal District and Sessions Judge Bandipora Khalil Ahmad Choudhary; Deputy Commissioner Bandipora Indu Kanwal Chib; Additional District and Sessions Judge Susheel Singh; SSP Bandipora Ajaz Ahmad Zargar; Sub Judge/CJM Iqbal Ahmad Akhoon; Incharge Secretary DLSA Sheikh Babar Hussain; Munsiff/JMIC Bandipora; Munsiff Gurez (Incharge ASMM Bandipora); President District Bar Association; and officers from the Judiciary, District Administration, Police Housing Corporation, and legal fraternity.
Upon arrival, Justice Nargal was accorded a ceremonial guard of honour by Bandipora Police. He later inspected various sections of the new complex, including courtrooms, an e-Court room, record and staff rooms, and other facilities. He issued directions to ensure proper maintenance and optimal use of the infrastructure, while also interacting with court staff and addressing their concerns.
A formal ceremony was held in the Conference Hall, beginning with the National Anthem. Addressing the gathering of judges, lawyers, and officials, Justice Nargal expressed gratitude to Chief Justice Arun Palli for entrusting him with the honour of inaugurating the complex. He described the project as “a testament to the unwavering commitment to justice and the rule of law.”
Highlighting Bandipora’s scenic beauty and cultural richness, Justice Nargal underscored that robust judicial infrastructure is not a luxury but a constitutional necessity, reflecting the promise of justice enshrined in the Constitution. He noted that the new complex would serve as a “symbol of hope and trust” for the people of Bandipora, Sumbal, and Gurez, ensuring justice is delivered with greater dignity and efficiency.
He also stressed the importance of integrating technology with judicial reforms, citing the success of the e-Courts Project, and called for stronger collaboration between the Bench and the Bar.
Advising young lawyers, Justice Nargal urged them to prioritize discipline, preparation, and courtesy over theatrics, emphasizing that integrity, humility, and compassion are the true hallmarks of legal excellence. He reminded them that lawyers are not merely advocates but “guardians of justice and voices for the voiceless.”
He also highlighted the vital role of judges in a democracy, calling for humility, independence, and promotion of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) mechanisms. Justice Nargal commended the officers of the Judiciary, engineers, architects, and officials of the J&K Government for making the project a success.
Speaking on the occasion, Principal District and Sessions Judge Khalil Ahmad Choudhary expressed gratitude to the Chief Justice and Justice Nargal for their leadership and support in completing the project within deadlines. He also appreciated the contributions of Registrar General M.K. Sharma, Deputy Commissioner Indu Kanwal Chib, and all stakeholders.
He noted that the modern, technology-enabled complex would greatly improve working conditions for judges and lawyers, ensuring justice is delivered in a “calm and conducive environment.”
Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, lauded the inauguration as a major step toward improving access to justice. She commended the judiciary for its proactive coordination with the district administration and emphasized the need for continued collaboration among all stakeholders to make the justice delivery system more people-centric.
President, Bar Association Bandipora, Sofi Feroz, reaffirmed the Bar’s commitment to working closely with the judiciary to strengthen justice delivery in the district.
Later, Justice Nargal chaired a review meeting with judicial officers, district administration, police, and bar representatives to discuss operational needs of the new complex. He directed the authorities to address key requirements such as installation of CCTV cameras, provision of water and sanitation facilities, security arrangements, signage, and maintenance support.
He also called for prioritizing the disposal of old cases to ensure timely justice.
The inauguration of the new Court Complex marks a milestone in Bandipora’s judicial history, promising enhanced accessibility, efficiency, and transparency in the dispensation of justice.
