Leh, June 13, 2025:
In a landmark initiative aimed at strengthening access to justice in the remote corners of Ladakh, Hon’ble Mr. Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Patron-in-Chief of the Ladakh Legal Services Authority, inaugurated six Legal Aid Clinics at Hanle, Wanla, Baima, Saspol, Chuchot, and Sumoor through virtual mode. The inauguration ceremony was conducted from the District Court Complex in Leh.
The event was held in the august presence of Hon’ble Mrs. Justice Sindhu Sharma, Judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Executive Chairperson of the Ladakh Legal Services Authority, along with Hon’ble Judges of the High Court of Punjab and Haryana who also joined the proceedings virtually. The virtual inauguration was attended by senior judicial officers and officials, including Mr. M.K. Sharma, Registrar General of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Principal Secretary to the Hon’ble Chief Justice, Mr. Anoop Kumar Sharma, Registrar IT, Mr. Manoj Parihar, Member Secretary of the Ladakh Legal Services Authority and Principal District and Sessions Judge Leh, and Mr. Tsewang Phuntsog, Chief Judicial Magistrate Leh. Also present were Mrs. Phuntsog Angmo, Secretary DLSA and Special Mobile Magistrate Leh, Mr. Lakshay Badiyal, Munsiff Nubra, Senior Prosecuting Officers, Mr. Mohd Shafi, President of the Bar Association Leh, members of the bar, legal aid defense counsels, panel lawyers, para-legal volunteers, and court staff.
On the occasion, Chief Justice Arun Palli applauded the continuous efforts of the Ladakh Legal Services Authority in providing justice at the doorstep of people residing in far-flung and isolated regions of Leh. He acknowledged the unique geographical challenges of the Union Territory and emphasized that the establishment of the six new Legal Aid Clinics represents a significant step in ensuring that justice is accessible to every individual, irrespective of their location. His Lordship reiterated the commitment of the judicial fraternity to leave no stone unturned in reaching the unreached and delivering justice to the last mile.
The welcome address for the event was presented by Mr. Manoj Parihar, while Mr. Mohd Shafi, President of the Bar Association Leh, delivered the vote of thanks. The overall coordination and smooth conduct of the program were managed by Mrs. Phuntsog Angmo, Secretary DLSA Leh.
Following the inauguration, Chief Justice Arun Palli conducted an inspection of the courts of the Principal District and Sessions Judge Leh, Chief Judicial Magistrate Leh, and the Special Mobile Magistrate. He also visited the chambers of the practicing lawyers and interacted with members of the Bar Association. During this interaction, members of the bar highlighted various grievances, which were patiently heard by His Lordship. In response, on-the-spot directions were issued for their immediate redressal. His Lordship also engaged in a fruitful interaction with judicial officers and court staff posted at the headquarters and assured them that their concerns would be addressed at the earliest.
The event marked a significant moment in the ongoing efforts of the judiciary to ensure equitable access to justice across the Union Territory of Ladakh, reaffirming the judiciary’s dedication to outreach, responsiveness, and inclusivity.
