Chief Justice N Kotiswar Singh bids adieu to Jammu and Kashmir High Court; hopes for Ladakh Bench of HC

A circuit Bench of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court at Ladakh would immensely help the people there, observed the High Court's outgoing Chief Justice N Kotiswar Singh on Tuesday..Justice Singh was recently elevated to the Supreme Court and is slated to take his oath as a judge of the top court on Thursday. A full court reference was held on Tuesday to mark his departure from the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. In his farewell speech, Chief Justice Singh said he was happy to note that the government was also keen to set up a circuit Bench of the High Court for the people of the Ladakh region. The High Court presently has two Benches, one at Jammu and the other at Srinagar (Kashmir). "I wish that to enable the people living in the remote areas of Ladakh, the establishment of a circuit Bench in UT Ladakh would immensely help the people there and it is heartening to know that the administration of UT Ladakh has shown keen interest in establishing a Circuit bench of UT Ladakh and hope to see at an earliest," Justice Singh said. The hardworking people of Ladakh, who are known for their patriotism and commitment to preserving the environment and its natural resources, will make this land one of the most remarkable places in our country, he added..Justice Singh also spoke of his professional journey as a lawyer and a judge. "I started my journey in this legal profession without any predetermined plan but with a hope that I may be able to serve the society better," he said. He recounted that his father too was a judge, who had served at the Guwahati High Court and was the first from Manipur to be elevated as a High Court judge. "Unfortunately, his demise occurred while in service, when I was still a student of law, thus depriving me the valuable guidance in the profession. I had to start from the steps in this profession, as a budding lawyer like many of you present today," Justice Singh added..Justice Singh also thanked all the judges of High Court and District Courts across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, the Bar Presidents, the Advocate General and Additional Advocates General, lawyers, personal staff and family members for their support and cooperation during his time at the High Court. He thanked Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and other members of the Collegium as well for recommending his appointment as a Supreme Court judge. .The ceremony was concluded with a firm resolve to adhere to the high principles of Mahatma Gandhi to follow the righteous path of non-violence and mutual brotherhood.Justice Singh also unveiled the statue of Mahatma Gandhi inside the High Court Complex in Srinagar..The farewell ceremony was attended by all High Court judges, Registrar General Shahzad Azeem, district court judges, the Advocate General, AAGs, Bar leaders, other lawyers, administrative and police officers as well as High Court staff.