SRINAGAR, Jun 6: The Jammu and Kashmir Judicial Academy today commenced the Pre-Appointment Induction Training Programme for 39 newly selected Civil Judges (Junior Division) at its Srinagar campus.
Delivering the inaugural address, Justice Arun Palli described the judicial service as a public trust and emphasized that trial court judges represent the face of the judiciary for most citizens.
Justice Arun Palli urged the newly selected officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity, humility and fairness, remain committed to continuous learning and strive to strengthen public confidence in the justice delivery system through their conduct and decisions.
In his special address, Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Acting Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh congratulated the newly selected officers and emphasized that judicial service demands integrity, impartiality, discipline and compassion.
Justice Sanjeev Kumar advised the participants to remain lifelong learners, maintain the highest ethical standards, embrace technology responsibly, avoid overdependence on artificial intelligence and discharge their duties fearlessly and fairly in accordance with law.
In his introductory remarks, Justice Rajnesh Oswal highlighted the significance of the transition from the Bar to the Bench and described it as a momentous milestone requiring a shift from partisan advocacy to impartial adjudication.
Justice Rajnesh Oswal reminded the participants that a judge’s foremost allegiance is to the Constitution and the rule of law. He emphasized the virtues of patience, restraint, independence and continuous learning as essential attributes of a judicial officer.
Earlier, in his welcome address, Director, J&K Judicial Academy, Naseer Ahmad Dar, highlighted the importance of judicial education in strengthening the justice delivery system. He informed that the induction programme has been designed to equip the newly selected officers with the knowledge, skills and ethical foundations necessary for judicial service.
Following the inaugural ceremony, the academic proceedings commenced with Session-I on “Introduction to the Training Programme Module – Background”, jointly conducted by Justice Rajnesh Oswal and Justice Sanjay Parihar, Judges of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh.
The session familiarized the participants with the objectives, structure and expected outcomes of the induction training programme. It provided an overview of the professional journey that lies ahead for the newly appointed judicial officers.
Session-II of the programme was conducted by Director, J&K Judicial Academy, on “Role and Ethical Expectations of a Civil Judge (Junior Division)”. The session deliberated upon the ethical responsibilities of trial court judges, courtroom discipline, judicial temperament and the need to maintain dignity, impartiality and professionalism in judicial proceedings.
In the post-lunch session, Justice Bashir Ahmad Kirmani conducted the last session of the day on “Foundations of Judicial Ethics”. During the session, he highlighted the significance of ethics as the foundation of both personal and professional life, emphasizing that judicial ethics constitutes the cornerstone of a judge’s conduct.
Stressing the vital importance of judicial independence, Justice Bashir Kirmani observed that true independence emanates from an individual’s conscience and moral integrity, enabling judges to discharge their duties impartially and without external influence. The session underscored that judicial independence is not merely a matter of personal freedom but a solemn responsibility to uphold ethical values, fairness and the rule of law in the administration of justice.
The participants actively engaged in the deliberations and discussions throughout the day. The induction training programme shall continue with a series of thematic sessions aimed at enhancing the professional competence, ethical awareness and judicial excellence among the newly selected Civil Judges (Junior Division).
The programme was inaugurated by Justice Arun Palli, Judge, Supreme Court of India, in presence of Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Acting Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh; Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Chairperson, Governing Committee for J&K Judicial Academy and other companion Judges of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh.
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