In a notable move to bolster judicial capacity in the region, the President of India has appointed Shri Sanjay Parihar and Shri Shahzad Azeem as Judges of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court.
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JAMMU AND KASHMIR : In a significant development that reflects the continuous strengthening of the Indian judiciary, the President of India, in the exercise of powers conferred under the Constitution of India and after due consultation with the Chief Justice of India, has appointed two eminent judicial officers—Shri Sanjay Parihar and Shri Shahzad Azeem—as Judges of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court.
This appointment marks not only a new chapter in the careers of these distinguished officers but also underlines the evolving structure and increasing judicial capacity of the High Court, which has played a pivotal role in administering justice in the region of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
Understanding the Constitutional Framework of Judicial Appointments
The appointment of High Court judges in India is governed by Article 217 of the Constitution. It stipulates that every judge of a High Court shall be appointed by the President, after consultation with the Chief Justice of India, the Governor of the respective state, and in some cases, the Chief Justice of the concerned High Court.
The objective behind this consultative process is to ensure the independence of the judiciary while balancing the views of the executive and judicial branches of governance. The recent appointments to the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court are emblematic of this carefully considered mechanism.
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About the Appointees
1. Shri Sanjay Parihar, Judicial Officer
Shri Sanjay Parihar brings with him years of distinguished service within the judicial system. His career reflects deep-rooted commitment to the cause of justice and public service. Known for his impartiality, diligence, and legal acumen, Shri Parihar has served in various judicial capacities across the Union Territory.
His elevation to the bench is expected to strengthen judicial decision-making and add to the institutional depth of the High Court. His background in handling civil, criminal, and constitutional matters equips him to deal with the complex legal challenges unique to this region.
2. Shri Shahzad Azeem, Judicial Officer
Shri Shahzad Azeem’s appointment is equally momentous. A senior judicial officer with a commendable track record, Shri Azeem has served the legal system with integrity and distinction. His contributions to the administration of justice in various district and sessions courts across Jammu & Kashmir have been widely acknowledged.
His elevation is a testament to merit-based progression within the judiciary and highlights the recognition of ground-level judicial experience in higher judicial appointments.
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Significance of These Appointments
The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has undergone structural and functional transformations in recent years, especially after the abrogation of Article 370 and the subsequent bifurcation of the erstwhile state into two Union Territories.
The High Court remains the common judicial institution for both Union Territories, and timely appointments such as these are crucial to ensure that the justice delivery mechanism remains uninterrupted and effective.
Currently, the sanctioned strength of the High Court is 25 judges, but the number of working judges often falls short. The addition of experienced judges like Shri Parihar and Shri Azeem helps address the increasing case backlog and enhances the court’s efficiency in adjudicating matters ranging from human rights to public policy.
A Step Toward Inclusive and Representative Judiciary
Both appointees represent different regions and communities within Jammu & Kashmir. Their inclusion in the higher judiciary not only brings diversity to the bench but also reinforces public confidence in the institution’s commitment to representation and fairness.
The judicial system of a democratic nation must reflect the pluralistic ethos of its society. Elevating officers who have closely worked with diverse populations and understand the local context ensures that justice delivery is both effective and empathetic.
Challenges Ahead
The newly appointed judges will face several challenges:
- Complexity of Cases: The socio-political history of the region adds unique dimensions to legal disputes, often involving constitutional interpretation, national security concerns, and human rights.
- Backlog of Cases: As with most High Courts in India, Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court is burdened with a high number of pending cases. Reducing pendency while ensuring quality of judgments is a critical responsibility.
- Trust Deficit in Institutions: Post the constitutional changes in 2019, some sections of the population have expressed skepticism toward institutional processes. Restoring faith in the judiciary will require transparency, fairness, and sensitivity.
The appointment of Shri Sanjay Parihar and Shri Shahzad Azeem as Judges of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court is a significant milestone, not just for their individual careers but for the broader judicial framework of the Union Territories.
These appointments bring hope for a more robust, responsive, and representative judiciary. They highlight the importance of recognizing long-serving judicial officers who bring invaluable experience to the higher judiciary. More importantly, they reflect the enduring commitment of the Indian constitutional structure to uphold justice, independence, and the rule of law.
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