Chief Justice inaugurates Leh bench

Chief Justice of India Justice Surya Kant inaugurated the permanent bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in Leh on Sunday, October 18, 2026.

Justice closer to remote residents

Ladakh Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra said the move was significant as it would bring justice closer to the people of the Union Territory, particularly those in remote and far-flung areas.

Overcoming geographical barriers

People living in remote areas have long faced difficulties accessing higher judicial institutions due to geographical constraints, harsh weather conditions and long travel distances, Kundra said.

Historic step for Indian courts

Kundra said that over the past 40 years, no sitting bench had been established in this manner for any other high court in India, making this development historically significant.

“If we look back at the history of high courts in India over the past 40 years, I do not think that a sitting bench has been established in this manner for any other high court.”

No more travel to Srinagar or Jammu

People seeking judicial relief, including through writ petitions, would no longer have to travel to Srinagar or Jammu for such proceedings, Kundra said.

Rapid implementation by government

The initiative took shape within just two months and was not among demands raised by Ladakh representatives. It was a unilateral initiative taken by the government of India.

Regulation came into force September 5

The regulation enabling the permanent bench came into force on September 5, 2026, after the President of India promulgated it on August 27, 2026.

Lieutenant Governor calls it historic

Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena described the development as a historic step towards making the justice delivery system more accessible in Ladakh.