Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 20: In a significant move aimed at fuel conservation and efficient judicial functioning, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has issued a series of directions promoting virtual functioning of courts and administrative offices in response to rising crude oil prices and concerns relating to energy security.
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Through circular issued by the office of the Registrar General, the High Court said the measures were being adopted in view of the nationwide call for adoption of measures relating to “Economic Self-Defence” amid concerns arising from rising crude oil prices and energy security.
As per the circular, virtual hearings and virtual appearance by counsel will be encouraged in the High Court with effect from May 21, 2026, subject to observance of prescribed decorum and protocol for virtual proceedings.
The High Court has further directed that during the vacation period commencing from June 8, 2026, the nominated Vacation Benches shall deal with matters through virtual mode. However, advocates unable to participate through video conferencing due to unavoidable reasons will still be permitted to appear physically before the court whenever it is functioning physically.
In another major decision, the High Court has ordered that no physical administrative inspection or visit of districts shall be conducted till further orders. Instead, all administrative meetings are to be convened virtually.
The circular also places restrictions on Leave Travel Concession (LTC) facilities for Judicial Officers and High Court staff. It states that the LTC facility, except in cases where it has already been granted, shall remain unavailable till further orders. However, the High Court clarified that for any number of days during which the LTC facility remains unavailable in a particular month, the relevant LTC block period would stand extended by one month.
The High Court has also directed the J&K Judicial Academy not to conduct any physical training programme. All training programmes, workshops, orientation sessions and related academic activities are now to be held exclusively through virtual mode.
In a move aimed specifically at reducing fuel consumption, officers of the Registry have been instructed to pool transport facilities allotted to them wherever feasible so as to minimize fuel usage and ensure optimal utilization of official resources.
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