The Ladakh Bench conducted its first regular division and single bench hearings in Leh. The milestone improves access to constitutional justice across the remote Union Territory.Image used for representational purposes onlyLeh,Oct 21, 2026 19:32 ISTThe High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh held its first regular division bench proceedings at its newly established Ladakh Bench on Wednesday, marking a significant step in bringing judicial services closer to people in the Union Territory, news agency Press Trust of India reported.Chief Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Sanjay Parihar presided over the division bench at Leh, located more than 11,500 feet above sea level.An official told PTI that the chief justice attended the hearing virtually, while Justice Parihar was physically present at the Ladakh Bench.
The division bench heard five listed matters.After the division bench proceedings concluded, Justice Parihar heard 60 matters listed before the single bench. The day's proceedings followed a hybrid format, combining virtual and physical hearings.
Justice Parihar said the identification of the 65 cases listed for Wednesday reflected the initial effort to organise and facilitate hearings in matters concerning litigants from Ladakh.He said the start of regular judicial hearings at such a high-altitude location was a landmark achievement for the country's judicial infrastructure and reflected the commitment to ensuring that geographical barriers did not obstruct access to justice. Justice Parihar said the establishment of the Ladakh Bench was a significant step towards extending the reach of constitutional institutions to remote and geographically challenging regions.Earlier, litigants from Leh, Kargil and other remote areas of Ladakh had to travel to Srinagar or Jammu for proceedings before the high court.
The start of hearings in Leh is also expected to benefit Ladakh's legal fraternity, including advocates.The Ladakh Bench was formally inaugurated by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant on October 18. Its first regular proceedings covered 65 matters, with five heard by the division bench and 60 by the single bench.- Ends