Chief Justice N Kotiswar Singh bids farewell to the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, expressing hope for the establishment of a Ladakh Bench. Recently elevated to the Supreme Court, Justice Singh looks forward to his new role. His departure marks the end of his tenure at the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.
Jammu: The outgoing Chief Justice of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court, N Kotiswar Singh, expressed that establishing a circuit bench of the High Court in Ladakh would greatly benefit the local population.
Justice Singh, who set to take his oath as a Supreme Court judge on Thursday, made this observation during a full court reference marking his departure from the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.
Chief Justice Singh noted his satisfaction with the government’s interest in creating a circuit bench in Ladakh. Currently, the High Court has two benches located in Jammu and Srinagar.
In his farewell address, Justice Singh stated,
“To support the residents of the remote regions of Ladakh, the creation of a circuit bench in the UT of Ladakh would be highly beneficial. It is encouraging to see the administration of UT Ladakh showing a strong interest in this initiative, and I hope it materializes soon.”
Justice Singh praised the people of Ladakh for their hard work, patriotism, and dedication to environmental preservation, predicting that these qualities will make Ladakh one of the country’s most remarkable regions.
Reflecting on his career, Justice Singh shared,
“I embarked on this legal journey without a predetermined plan, driven by a hope to better serve society.”
He also mentioned his father, who was the first individual from Manipur to become a High Court judge, serving at the Guwahati High Court.
Justice Singh remarked,
“Regrettably, his passing occurred while he was still in service and I was a law student, which deprived me of his invaluable professional guidance. Like many of you here today, I had to begin my journey in this profession from the very beginning as a budding lawyer,”
Justice Singh expressed his gratitude to all the judges of the High Court and District Courts across Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, as well as the Bar Presidents, the Advocate General, Additional Advocates General, lawyers, personal staff, and family members for their support and cooperation during his tenure at the High Court.
He also extended his thanks to Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and other Collegium members for recommending his appointment as a Supreme Court judge.
The ceremony concluded with a firm commitment to uphold the high principles of Mahatma Gandhi, following the righteous path of non-violence and mutual brotherhood.
In addition, Justice Singh unveiled a statue of Mahatma Gandhi within the High Court Complex in Srinagar.
The farewell ceremony was attended by the entire panel of High Court judges, Registrar General Shahzad Azeem, district court judges, the Advocate General, Assistant Advocate Generals, Bar leaders, various lawyers, administrative and police officers, along with High Court staff.