Srinagar, Aug 28 (JKNS): President of India has promulgated the Union Territory of Ladakh (Sitting of Bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in Ladakh) Regulation, 2026, paving the way for the establishment and functioning of a High Court Bench in Ladakh.
The regulation provides the legal and administrative framework for conducting sittings of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh within the Union Territory of Ladakh, details available with news agency JKNS stated.
Under the regulation, Judges and Division Courts of the High Court may hold proceedings at any place within Ladakh designated by the Chief Justice, subject to the approval of the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh.
The Chief Justice has also been empowered to decide the venue for cases originating from Ladakh. Depending on the circumstances, particular cases or categories of cases may be directed to be heard in Srinagar or Jammu.
The regulation further provides that the principal seat of the common High Court will continue at the location where the principal seat of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh was situated immediately before the regulation comes into force.
The promulgation follows the Union Cabinet’s approval of the proposal to establish a High Court Bench in Ladakh and is aimed at improving access to judicial services for residents of the Union Territory.
The regulation has been promulgated under Article 240 of the Constitution of India, which empowers the President to make regulations for certain Union Territories without legislatures. Such regulations have the force of law within the concerned Union Territory.
The move is expected to strengthen judicial infrastructure in Ladakh and reduce the need for residents to travel outside the Union Territory for judicial proceedings.
The promulgation of the 2026 Regulation marks a significant step towards operationalising the High Court Bench and bringing judicial services closer to the people of Ladakh. (JKNS)
