Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU/SRINAGAR, Aug 16: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh as well as District Courts across the twin Union Territories (UTs) celebrated the 79th Independence Day on Friday with a great patriotic zeal and enthusiasm.
The main function was held at the High Court Complex, Srinagar, where Chief Justice Arun Palli unfurled the National Flag in the presence of Judges, former Judges, officers of the Registry, members of the legal fraternity and civil and police administration, creating an atmosphere filled with patriotic fervor and unity.
The ceremony in Srinagar witnessed participation from Justices Sindhu Sharma, Javed Iqbal Wani, Rahul Bharti, Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, Mohd Yousuf Wani and Shahzad Azeem along with senior advocates, Government advocates, members of the Bar and lawyers from the District Court Srinagar.
The officers and officials of the High Court, J&K Legal Services Authority and District Court Srinagar attended in large numbers, symbolizing commitment to constitutional values.
The event highlighted the historic role of the judiciary in India’s freedom struggle, recalling stalwarts like Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru and BR Ambedkar who used law and advocacy to fight colonial rule and shape modern India.
Throughout the Srinagar celebration, the premises resonated with the values of justice, liberty, equality and fraternity.
The presence of the Judges, and the enthusiastic participation of both the Bench and the Bar, reaffirmed their collective resolve to safeguard citizens’ rights and uphold the Constitution.
The event concluded with a pledge that the nation’s true strength lies in justice, unity, and the protection of democratic ideals.
At the Jammu Wing of the High Court, Independence Day was celebrated under the guidance of Chief Justice Arun Palli with patriotic zeal at the Janipur Complex.
Justice Sanjeev Kumar, the senior-most Judge, unfurled the National Flag and took salute from a CRPF contingent in the presence of companion Judges of the High Court, senior advocates, Additional Advocate General, judicial officers and dignitaries including members of the J&K High Court Bar Association Jammu.
The solemn function reflected the judiciary’s deep commitment to the Constitution and the people of the Union Territories.
Those present at Jammu included Justices Rajnesh Oswal, Vinod Chatterji Koul, Sanjay Dhar, Mohammad Akram Chowdhary, Wasim Sadiq Nargal, Rajesh Sekhri and Sanjay Parihar, alongside senior members of the Bar, officers of the Registry and officials of the District Judiciary.
Registrar Judicial Sandeep Kour, Joint Registrar Judicial Meyank Gupta, Secretary High Court Legal Services Committee Jeewan Sharma, Deputy Solicitor General of India Vishal Sharma, and President J&K High Court Bar Association Jammu Nirmal Kotwal also joined the event.
It was emphasized that while the main Independence Day function was held at Srinagar, the Jammu celebrations reflected equal enthusiasm and patriotism.
The District Court Complex Janipur also observed the occasion in a dignified manner under the theme “Naya Bharat”, which envisions a prosperous and self-reliant India by 2047.
Principal District & Sessions Judge Jammu, YP Bourney, hoisted the Tricolour and received a Rashtriya Salute from a J&K Police contingent as their band played the National Anthem.
Judicial officers, staff and lawyers attended the function, where Bourney paid tributes to freedom fighters and underscored the duty of the legal fraternity in safeguarding constitutional values.
Later, sweets were distributed to police personnel and refreshments were served, fostering camaraderie among participants.
At District Court Complex Kathua, the celebrations began with the unfurling of the National Flag by Principal District & Sessions Judge Jatinder Singh Jamwal, also Chairman of the District Legal Services Authority.
The event was attended by judicial officers including the Additional District & Sessions Judge, Chief Judicial Magistrate, Secretary DLSA, Munsiffs, police personnel, staff members, para-legal volunteers and members of the Bar Association Kathua.
The programme also featured the singing of the National Anthem and widespread participation symbolizing collective commitment to justice.
At District Court Complex Samba, Independence Day was observed with zeal at the District Court Complex, where Principal District & Sessions Judge Ravinder Nath Wattal, also Chairman DLSA Samba, hoisted the National Flag in the presence of Parveen Kumar Lal, Principal Judge Family Court, Jhajjar Haryana, Arvind Sharma, Additional District & Sessions Judge, Samba, Umesh Sharma, Chief Judicial Magistrate Samba, Sandeep Singh Sen, Secretary (Sub-Judge) District Legal Services Authority Samba among other dignitaries.
In his address, the Principal District & Sessions Judge Ravinder Nath Wattal greeted the gathering and spoke on the significance of Independence Day, recalling both the sacrifices of freedom fighters and recent tragedies such as the Chishoti cloudburst in Kishtwar.
Judges, members of the Bar, PLVs, officers of the prosecution wing and faculty members of Pareesha Home for Girls attended in large numbers.
A felicitation ceremony honoured members of Child Welfare Committees and Women Empowerment initiatives, with certificates distributed by the Chief Guest.
At Bandipora, the District Judiciary and DLSA organized the celebration at the court complex where Principal District & Sessions Judge Khalil Ahmad Choudhary hoisted the National Flag in the presence of judicial officers, bar members, advocates, officials, PLVs and schoolchildren.
He reminded the gathering that Independence Day is both a celebration of freedom and a solemn remembrance of sacrifices.
He urged collective efforts for justice, equality and inclusive development, emphasizing that the Constitution enshrines rights that must be protected in spirit and practice.
The ceremony ended with sweets distribution, reinforcing camaraderie among participants.
At Anantnag, Principal District & Sessions Judge Tahir Khurshid Raina hoisted the National Flag in the presence of all judges posted at the district headquarters, members of the Bar, staff of the judiciary and prosecution, and PLVs.
He highlighted the significance of Independence Day, appealed to the nationalistic spirit of the gathering, and called on the youth to play their pivotal role as the nation’s true wealth.
The event concluded with the distribution of sweets to police and security forces.
Similar celebrations were held at Tehsil headquarters in Vailoo, Bijbehara, Aishmuqam, Dooru and Shangus, led by the respective Tehsil Legal Services Committees.
The District Court Complex Leh celebrated Independence Day with great enthusiasm where Principal District & Sessions Judge Manoj Parihar hoisted the National Flag, joined by Chief Judicial Magistrate Tsewang Phuntsog, Special Mobile Magistrate Phuntsog Angmo, members of the Bar, legal aid defence counsel, panel lawyers, PLVs and court staff.
The Tricolour was unfurled to the singing of the National Anthem by students of Government High School Housing Colony Leh.
In his address, Judge Parihar stressed on the significance of rights, duties and unity in nation-building, while the programme concluded with patriotic performances by students and members of the legal fraternity.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
