Jammu & Kashmir

JAMMU, JUNE 08: Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Ramesh Kumar, today chaired a meeting to review the progress of beautification, development and maintenance works being executed in Bagh-e-Bahu and Bahu fort.

The meeting was attended by Commissioner JMC, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, SSP Jammu, Director General Floriculture, SSP Traffic, Director Archives Archeology and Museums, senior officers from Tourism, Fisheries, PWD, JDA and concerned departments.

During the meeting, the Div Com took appraisal of the development and maintenance works being executed in the Bagh-e-Bahu under Smart City project and the works of development of Bahu Fort.

The Div Com asked for expediting the pace and timeline completion of all the works. He asked CE PWD to upgrade the road leading to Bagh-e-Bahu and Bahu Fort for the convenience of the Visitors. SSP traffic was asked to take measures for utilization of parking spaces.

Commissioner JMC apprised about the status of development works under execution, including up-gradation of approach road, construction of entry gate, Kiosks, parking space and other works.

It was also informed that new tile works would be executed inside the Bahu fort. The Div Com directed for completing the same by October this year (before Navratres).

The Div Com also reviewed the functioning of light and the Sound Show at Bagh-e-Bahu and directed the Joint Director Tourism to make it more attractive to attract maximum footfall.

Directions were also issued to set up a combined ticketing Counter for Park, Aquarium and other attractions at Bagh-e-Bahu for the ease of visitors and tourists. The Div Com also called for maintaining cleanliness in and around the Bagh-e-Bahu and Bahu Fort.

The Div Com further asked the officials of stakeholder departments to visit the sites of development and maintenance works and monitor the progress on a daily basis.

SRINAGAR, JUNE 08: Under the patronage of Justice N. Kotiswar Singh, Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh & Patron-in-Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority and with the approval of Justice Tashi Rabstan, Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority, as well as under the guidance of Justice Sindhu Sharma, Chairperson, High Court Legal Services Committee, a Special Lok Adalat was organized throughout the UT of J&K today, with a special emphasis on the amicable settlement of traffic challans and disputes related to electricity bills pending disposal before various courts in the UT of J&K.

As per the data received from various District Legal Services Authorities in the UT of J&K, a total of 26006 Traffic challans and 767 Electricity disputes were taken up in the Special Lok Adalat, out of which 25037 Traffic Challans and 492 disputes relating to electricity were amicably settled, involving a total amount of Rs. 1,02,56,419/- providing significant relief to the litigants. District Jammu and District Srinagar emerged as the leaders in settling 11887 and 10814 cases respectively which constitutes about 90% of the total cases disposed of in the today’s Special Lok Adalat.

Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority, Amit Kumar Gupta, while appreciating the efforts of officers and officials of DLSA Jammu and Srinagar informed the media persons that this was the Sixth Special Lok Adalat of the current calendar year. He urged the Advocates in general and the litigants in particular to take maximum benefit of such kind of Special Lok Adalats organized by the J&K Legal Services Authority.

Lauding the efforts of all the Judicial Officers, Secretaries of the DLSAs, Advocates, staff of the district and tehsil courts, and Legal Services Institutions, as well as the litigants for their wholehearted participation in the Special Lok Adalat and facilitating the settlement of cases in such large numbers, he also acknowledged the role of Para Legal Volunteers and the media, both print and electronic, in creating and spreading awareness amongst the masses about such initiatives of the J&K Legal Services Authority.

Gupta further informed that the next Special Lok Adalat is scheduled to be held on Saturday, July 20, 2024, focusing on the settlement of Bank Recovery Cases pending disposal in different courts within the UT of J&K as also those yet to filed and are at Pre-litigation stage.

RAMBAN, JUNE 08: Secretary, Roads and Buildings (R&B), Bhupinder Kumar, conducted an extensive tour of Ramban to assess the maintenance work on NH-44, particularly in view of the upcoming Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra 2024.

The Secretary also reviewed progress on the ongoing construction works on Nashri to Ramban and Ramban to Banihal sections of the NH-44 four-laning project.

Deputy Commissioner Ramban, Baseer-Ul-Haq Chaudhary, SSP Traffic NHW Ramban, Rohit Baskotra, ADC, Varunjeet Singh Charak, Additional SP, Gourav Mahajan, PD NHAI, Porshotam Singh and other officers were present on the occasion.

The visit included on site inspections and a comprehensive assessment of the construction sites to ensure a thorough review of these critical national projects.

During the tour, the Secretary directed the executing agency to prioritize proper maintenance of NH-44 to facilitate a comfortable and safe journey for the Yatris, tourists, and other commuters. He issued instructions to expedite the progress on Nashri to Banihal stretch of Jammu-Srinagar National Highway four-laning Project, emphasizing its status as a prestigious national undertaking.

The Deputy Commissioner presented a detailed briefing underscoring the district administration’s unwavering commitment towards effective execution of NH-44 four-laning initiative. He highlighted the essential role of district administration’s steadfast support and timely assistance in ensuring a seamless and smooth journey for commuters on the national highway.

The Secretary also reviewed the functioning of various tunnels between Ramban and Banihal. He received updates on ongoing construction activities at critical locations such as Nashri, Dalwas, Mehad, Cafeteria Morh, Panthial and the viaduct bypassing Banihal Bazar. He directed the officers for ensuring completion of the works within the prescribed timeline.

Emphasizing the importance of enhancing infrastructure and connectivity, the Secretary assured that there would be a focused effort to complete the 32 km stretch between Ramban and Banihal at the earliest.

SRINAGAR, JUNE 8: The Department of Culture, Directorate of Archives, Archaeology & Museums organized three day Archival Exhibition both at Kala Kendra, Jammu and Art Gallery, Shergarhi Complex Old Secretariat, Srinagar.

Being organised to mark celebration of International Archives Day, the exhibitions would be held from 8th to 10th June.

Principal Secretary Culture, Suresh Kumar Gupta, inaugurated the event at Srinagar which was attended by students from various schools and colleges besides scholars.

In his inaugural address, the Principal Secretary highlighted the importance of preservation and maintenance of the archival records in the repositories.

The Principal Secretary interacted with the students and had threadbare discussion regarding the archival records displayed in the exhibition including manuscripts, important archival files and maps.

Deputy Director, Archives, Archaeology and Museums, Kashmir, briefed the participants about the documents, manuscripts, maps and other treasures displayed in the exhibition.

At Jammu, the exhibition was inaugurated by Director, Archives, Archaeology & Museums, Raj Kumar Katoch at Kala Kendra Jammu.

In his address, the Director mentioned that this day is being celebrated to increase public awareness about the importance of records and archives. The event aimed to showcase the unique, extraordinary and rare documents preserved in the archival institutions, he added.

Srinagar, May 22, 2024: Two days Mega Medical Camp organized by the J&K Legal Services Authority under the patronage of Hon’ble the Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, N. Kotiswar Singh (Patron-in-Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority) and under the dynamic leadership of Justice Tashi Rabstan, Senior-most Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh (Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority) in collaboration with the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar, Department of Prisons, UT of J&K, Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir, and the Department of Health & Medical Education, Kashmir concluded today at Central Jail, Srinagar.
The Medical camp aimed at providing comprehensive medical care to the jail inmates featured specialist doctors from various medical fields, including General Medicine, Surgery, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Orthopaedics, Psychiatry, Cardiology, Dental & Oral Medicine, Gynaecology, and ENT.
Talking to media persons, Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority said that during the two days’ camp, 21 doctors of various specialities examined 959 inmates, with 3,332 different investigations carried out. The medical consultations included 876 inmates examined by General Physicians, 52 by Cardiologists, 36 by Endocrinologists, 211 by Dermatologists, 317 by Orthopaedists, 173 by Gastroenterologist, 156 by Physiotherapists, 147 by Dentists, 107 by ENT Specialists, 115 by Ophthalmologists, 139 by Surgeons and 156 by Psychiatrists. Additionally, 142 ultrasounds, 137 ECGs, 133 X-rays, and 28 dental procedures were performed, along with various body profile tests. Besides, Drug De-addiction and NCD Counselling was given to 171 inmates.
He further said that the investigations conducted during the health check-up revealed that 46 inmates were newly diagnosed with diabetes, 189 were known diabetics, 87 were newly diagnosed with hypertension, whereas 485 were known hypertensives.
The two-day camp was an exemplary effort in enhancing healthcare facilities for inmates, demonstrating the resolve and commitment of J&K Legal Services Authority to the welfare of all sections of the society particularly those facing incarceration.
The Superintendent, Central Jail Srinagar, thanked the J&K Legal Services Authority, Directorate of Health, Kashmir and Department of Health and Medical Education for organizing Medical Camp on such a big scale and hoped that the same shall continue in future as the jail inmates are immensely benefited from it.

Srinagar, May 21, 2024: Understanding the importance of ensuring healthcare facilities to jail inmates in UT of J&K, the J&K Legal Services Authority under the patronage of Hon’ble the Chief Justice, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, N. Kotiswar Singh, who is also Patron-in-Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority and under the directions of Justice Tashi Rabstan, Senior-most Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority held a Mega Medical Check-up Camp at Central Jail, Srinagar in collaboration with DLSA Srinagar, Department of Prisons, UT of J&K, Directorate of Health Services, Kashmir and Department of Health & Medical Education, Kashmir.
Justice Tashi, who was the Chief Guest on the occasion was accompanied by Ms. Rajni Rabstan, Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary and Muzamil Kabli, Under Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority was warmly received by Deepak Kumar, IPS, DG Prisons, Jawad Ahmed, Principal District & Sessions Judge (Chairman, DLSA) Srinagar, Sheikh Zulfikar Azad, Superintendent, Central Jail Srinagar, Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, Director, Health Services Kashmir, Prof. (Dr) Iffat Hassan Shah, Principal, GMC Srinagar, Jahangir Ahmed Bakshi, Secretary, DLSA Srinagar and Dr. Aijaz Shah, Principal, Govt. Dental College, Srinagar.
The Mega Medical Check-up Camp was conceptualized by Justice Tashi Rabstan who in his address stressed upon organizing such type of camps on regular basis to curtail the filing of petitions in the courts by the undertrials for their medical examination. He further said that the jail inmates are immensely benefitted in such programs as all the specialist doctors of various departments like General Medicine, Surgery, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Orthopaedics, Psychiatry, Cardiology, Dental & Oral Medicine, Gynaecology, ENT etc. are available for consultation and advice to the needy inmates.
Prof. (Dr) Iffat Shah, Principal, GMC Srinagar, Dr. Mushtaq Ahmad Rather, Director, Health Services Kashmir, Prof. (Dr) Aijaz Shah, Principal, Govt. Dental College, Srinagar and Dr. Aijaz Ahmad, Consultant, Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences Kashmir in their respective addresses appreciated the efforts of Legal Services Institutions in bringing all the stakeholders on one platform for good health and wellbeing of jail inmates besides acknowledging the importance of organising such camps on regular basis. They also assured complete support to J&K Legal Services Authority in all such future endeavours. Dr. Mushtaq also informed the gathering that all the investigation and body profile testing shall be done in the camp, which can roll over to one more day depending upon the medical needs of prisoners. He further said that all the medicines that would be prescribed by doctors including spectacles by the ophthalmologists shall be provided to the patients free of cost.
The opening remarks were presented by Sheikh Zulfikar Azad, Superintendent, Central Jail, Srinagar whereas Jahangir Ahmad Bakshi, Secretary, District legal Services Authority, Srinagar conducted the proceedings of the program and Ms. Saba Shawl, Staff Officer to DG Prisons presented vote of thanks.
Those who attended the program include Dr. Tahir Sajad, CMO Srinagar, Shabir Ahmad, Deputy Superintendent, Central Jail, Srinagar, Dr. Aijaz Ahmad, Dr. Mir Mushtaq, Dr. Aasim Farooq, Dr. Aasifa, Dr. Sameena, Super-Specialist and Specialist doctors, Para-Medical staff, Technicians, Lab Assistants etc of Health Department, GMC Srinagar, Govt. Dental College Srinagar and Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences, Kashmir, Security personal of CISF, staff of Central Jail, Srinagar and PLVs of DLSA Srinagar.

Srinagar, May 18, 2024: To ensure better care and protection of children especially residing in various Child Care Institutions in UT of J&K and Ladakh, Justice Tashi Rabstan, senior most Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority and Chairman, Juvenile Justice Committee, High Court of J&K and Ladakh today visited “Pareesha” (Home for Girls) and “Phulwari” (Specialized Adoption Agency) at Khansahib, Budgam.
Justice Tashi Rabstan accompanied by Ms. Rajni Rabstan and Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary J&K Legal Services Authority also Ex-officio Member Secretary, Juvenile Justice Committee, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh were warmly received by Jahangir Ahmad Bakshi, Secretary, DLSA Budgam, Malik Tariq, SDM Khansahib, Budgam, Ubaid-ul-Khazir, District Social Welfare Officer, Budgam, Ghulam Mohi-ud-Din Malik, SDPO Khansahib Budgam, Ms. Mohsina, Superintendent, Pareesha and Ms. Rifat, Coordinator SAA.
Ubaid-ul-Khazir, DSWO Budgam gave a brief presentation about the facilities being provided to the children staying in Preesha and also informed Justice Tashi that presently 25 girls are putting up there who are students between class First to class Ninth and native of different areas of district Budgam. He also pointed out that a female child of Preesha got recently promoted to class 9th after scoring 85% marks in the 8th standard.
During interaction with the children, Justice Tashi patiently listened to them about their daily routine, the quality of food being served to them, their involvement in extra-curricular activities and their interest areas as well as hobbies. Thereafter, Justice Tashi inspected the rooms, wash rooms, kitchen cum dinning hall, computer lab and recreation hall and expressed satisfaction regarding the facilities being provided to the children. While addressing the gathering Justice Tashi said that the Child Care Institutions in district Budgam are doing commendable Service to the society.
Subsequently, Justice Tashi inspected “Phulwari” and took stock of the operational framework where he was informed that already eight children have been adopted by the families within and outside the UT of J&K and at present only one infant child is being taken care of by the said agency. A few issues were raised by the Superintendent “Paresha” regarding which on the spot instructions were issued to SDM Khansahib, Budgam for their resolution as early as possible.
The staff of Pareesha, Phulwari and District Social Welfare Officer thanked Justice Tashi for visiting the said Institutions, spending time with the children and boosting their morale.

Srinagar, May 11, 2024: On the occasion of National Technology Day, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Srinagar, under the aegis of Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority (JKLSA), organized an Awareness and Capacity Building Program to highlight the significant strides made in the Justice Delivery System through the E-Court Project. The programme was held under the able guidance of Mr. Jawad Ahmed, Chairman DLSA Srinagar.
The event, held at the District Court Complex, Srinagar, witnessed the participation of Chairman DLSA, Srinagar Mr. Jawad Ahmed, Secretary DLSA, Srinagar, Mr. Jahangir Ahmad Bakshi, staff members, Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs) of DLSA Srinagar, along with enthusiastic law students from University of Kashmir, Kashmir Law College, and Vitasta Law College Nowgam Srinagar.
In his special remarks Mr. Jawad Ahmed, Chairman DLSA, Srinagar, underscored the importance of training and capacity building for law students and other stakeholders in adapting to the technological advancements in the justice delivery system and emphasized the pressing need for the integration of technological tools in the Justice Delivery System. Secretary DLSA, Mr. Jahangir Ahmad Bakshi, emphasized the significance of the program and stressed the need to engage law students about the technological developments made in the justice delivery system, ensuring they are well-equipped to navigate the evolving landscape of legal practice.
The highlight of the event was a detailed PowerPoint presentation by Mr. Tariq Ahmad Malik, System Officer, District Court Complex, Srinagar, showcasing the various e-Court services made available to the various stakeholders of the justice delivery system under the E-Court Project. The presentation demonstrated how technology has streamlined processes, improved access to justice, and enhanced efficiency in the legal system.
The program provided a platform for interactive sessions, allowing participants to gain insights into the practical applications of IT tools in legal proceedings. It also served as a catalyst for fostering collaboration between the legal fraternity and technology experts towards achieving a more transparent, accessible, and efficient justice system.
The programme was moderated by Ms. Sunila and Vote of thanks was presented by Ms. Azra Bashir, Officials of DLSA, Srinagar.

In accordance with the J&K Legal Service Authority calendar for the year 2024, District Legal Services Authority Srinagar organized 2ndNational LokAdalat for the amicable settlement of cases. The aforementioned LokAdalat was held at the District Court Complex Mominabad Srinagar, under the able direction of Hon’ble Justice Mr. N. Kotiswar Singh, Chief Justice of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh (Patron in Chief), J&K Legal Services Authority, Hon’ble Justice Mr. TashiRabstan, Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority, and under the direction and supervision of Mr. Jawad Ahmed, Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority (Pr. District & Sessions Judge) Srinagar.
The purpose of the National LokAdalat was to provide a platform for resolving pending cases and disputes through a conciliatory process. The Lok Adalat mechanism aims to reduce the burden on regular courts and encourage the parties involved to reach a mutually agreeable settlement.
To facilitate the amicable settlement of cases, 12 benches were constituted for the said 2nd National Lok Adalat, wherein the First Bench was presided over by Ms. Jeema Bashir (Presiding Officer, MACT, Court Srinagar) and Mr. Khurshid-Ul-Islam (Ist Additional District & Sessions Judge), the 2nd Bench was presided over by Ms. Masrat Roohi (Principal Judge Family Court) Srinagar and Mr. Iqbal Ahmad Masoudi( I/C Addl. District & Sessions Judge / 3rd Addl. District and Sessions Judge) Srinagar,the 3rd Bench was presided over by Mr. Gowher Majeed Dalal (4th Addl. District and Sessions Judge) and Ms. Tabassum (Judge Small Causes) Srinagar, the 4th Bench was presided over by Mr. Arvind Sharma (Addl District & Sessions Judge, Bank Cases) Srinagar and Ms. Arti Mohan (Presiding Officer POCSO Court) Srinagar, the 5th Bench was presided over by Mr. Raja Mohammad Tasleem (Chief Judicial Magistrate) Srinagar and Mr. Atzaz Ahmad (2nd Additional Munsiff) Srinagar, the 6th Bench was presided over by Mr. Ahsan Ullah Parvez Malik (Spl Mobile Magistrate/Railway Magistrate) Srinagar and Mr. Moneer Ahmad (3rd Additional Munsiff/JMIC) Srinagar, the 7th Bench was presided over by Ms. Mehreen Mushtaq (Muncipal Magistrate) Srinagar and Mr. Adnan Manzoor (Sub-Register/JMIC), Srinagar, the 8th Bench was presided over by Mr. Feroz Ahmad Khan (Forest Magistrate) Srinagar and Mir SayeemQayoom(City Munsiff Srinagar),the 9th Bench was presided over by Mr. Sajad-Ur-Rehman ( City judge), Srinagar, and Mr. Shafeeq Ahmad Malik (1st Additional Munsiff/JMIC) Srinagar,the tenth Bench was presided over by Mr. Mudasar Farooq (Spl. Mobile Magistrate (Traffic) Srinagar and Ms. Tasneem Kausar (Deputy LADC), DLSA Srinagar, as Bench Member the 11th Bench was presided over by Ms. Lubna Sultan (Addl. Spl. Mobile Magistrate (13th FC)Panthachowk Srinagar) and President Bar Association Panthachowk (Member) and the 12th Bench was presided over by Mr. Raja Arshad Hamid (Addl. Spl. Mobile Magistrate) Srinagar, and Ms. Urba Rashid as Bench Member.
Overall 62176 cases were taken up for settlement out of which 60374 cases were amicably settled & Rs.4,41,33,766 (Four Crore forty one lacs thirty three thousand seven sixty six), was awarded as settlement amount. In Motor Accident related cases, Bench No 1 headed by Ms. Jeema Bashir (Presiding Officer, MACT Court) Srinagar, and Mr. Khurshid-Ul-Islam (Ist Additional District & Sessions Judge), Srinagar had taken 47 cases for settlement out of which 20 cases were amicably settled & Rs. 18156343 (one Crore Eighty One Lacs Fifty Six Thousand three hundred forty three) was awarded as settlement amount and Bench No. 4 headed by Mr. Arvind Sharma (Addl District & Sessions Judge, Bank Cases) Srinagar and Ms. Arti Mohan (Presiding Officer POCSO Court) Srinagar, had taken 27 cases for settlement out of which 23 cases were amicably settled & Rs. 68,49,125 (Sixty Eight lacs forty nine thousand one hundred twenty five) was awarded as settlement amount.
The Chairman DLSA Srinagar distributed compensation cheques to the tune of Rs. 8,50,000 (Eight Lakh Fifty thousand) among the survivors of violence sanctioned by J&K Legal Services Authority.

As part of series of events for spreading awareness regarding Right to Franchise during General Election 2024, Under SVEEP Campaign, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar today organized awareness programme on constitutional rights to franchise at Legal Literacy Club of Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Chanapora in the run-up to the upcoming election scheduled to be held on May 13, 2024, , the said awareness programme was held under the able guidance of Mr. Jawad Ahmed, Chairman DLSA Srinagar.
The programme was held as part of the Systematic Voters’ Education and Electoral Participation (SVEEP) campaign, aimed at educating citizens about the importance of exercising their right to vote.
The event witnessed the participation of Ms. Dr Samina Wani, Principal of Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Panel Lawyers, DLSA Srinagar, Staff Members, Students of GGHSS, Chanapora, Srinagar and Para Legal Volunteers of DLSA Srinagar.
Advocate Syed Shabana, Panel Lawyer DLSA Srinagar, addressing the gathering, emphasized that voting is the fundamental right of every citizen and urged the students to exercise their franchise responsibly. She highlighted the significance of participating in the democratic process and making informed decisions at the polls. Advocate Laila Khalid , Panel Lawyer DLSA Srinagar reiterated the importance of constitutional rights and the power of voting. She encouraged the participants to take an active role in the electoral process and make their voices heard.
The awareness programme was well-received by the students, who showed keen interest in understanding their rights and responsibilities as citizens. The event was part of a series of awareness programmes organized by DLSA Srinagar to educate citizens about the importance of voting and to promote electoral participation.