Srinagar, Apr 13, KDC: Waseem Sadiq Nargal, Judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Administrative Judge for Ramban, Samba and Bandipora, on Monday said “delay defeats the very objective” of new judicial infrastructure and directed that the newly inaugurated court complex be made fully functional within one week.
While addressing a gathering during his visit to Bandipora to review the progress of work on the new District Court Complex, he said, “The creation of this new court complex is not merely an addition to infrastructure; it reflects an exceptional and progressive vision—one that seeks to establish a more unified, efficient, and sustainable environment for the dispensation of justice.”
He added, “Such developments inspire confidence among litigants and reinforce the belief that legal professionals and the Bar can perform their roles with greater effectiveness and purpose.”
Expressing concern over the delay in operationalising the complex, Justice Nargal said, “What is the purpose of inaugurating such infrastructure if it is not made operational within a reasonable time?” He stressed, “Infrastructure derives its true value only when it is put to effective use,” and called for completion of the shifting process “within a period of one week—strictly one week.”
He urged all stakeholders to act in coordination, saying the complex must become “fully functional at the earliest, so that the intended benefits are realized by litigants, the Bar, and judicial officers alike.”
Highlighting the evolving nature of the justice delivery system, he said it “is not static—it evolves with the needs of society,” and emphasized that strengthening infrastructure must be a continuous process.
Justice Nargal underlined that adequate courtrooms, proper record management systems, dedicated Bar spaces and basic amenities “are not luxuries; they are essential components of an effective justice delivery system,” adding that these facilitate smoother functioning and reduce delays.
He emphasized collective responsibility, stating, “The justice delivery system is not the responsibility of any one institution alone—it is a collective effort,” calling for coordination among judiciary, administration, police, prosecution and the Bar.
On technology, he said, “We are living in an era where technology is no longer optional—it is a necessity,” adding that tools like videoconferencing, e-filing and digital records are “powerful tools that reduce delay and improve efficiency,” particularly in regions like Jammu and Kashmir.
He stressed the need for a humane approach, saying, “Every litigant approaches the court with hope,” and underscored that courtesy, patience and clarity are vital to maintaining public trust.
Addressing pendency, he said, “Justice must not only be fair—it must also be timely, for delay often dilutes its very essence,” advocating effective case management and adherence to timelines.
Acknowledging challenges such as heavy caseloads and limited resources, he said these “cannot become reasons to compromise on fundamental principles,” and emphasized the need for balance in judicial functioning.
He also highlighted the importance of legal awareness, stating that initiatives like legal aid and community outreach are crucial to ensure justice is “accessible to all” and understood by the people. (KDC)
