Back
High Court Paves Way for Judicial Officers' Association with Ad-Hoc Leadership Team
In a decisive administrative step, the has constituted an ad-hoc managing body to spearhead the registration and initial operations of the . Issued by Registrar General M.K. Sharma on , the order appoints a diverse group of district and civil judges to ensure a smooth launch.
Building on Recent Directives: The Path to Formation
This latest order builds directly on High Court notifications No. 717 of 2026/RG (dated ) and No. 719 of 2026/RG (also ). These prior directives laid the groundwork for formalizing the association, representing a structured push toward organized representation for judicial officers across the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. No disputes or litigation preceded this; instead, it's a proactive judicial initiative to institutionalize professional camaraderie and advocacy.
The Power Players: A Blend of Senior Judicial Talent
The ad-hoc body features a balanced lineup of experienced officers, blending leadership roles with broad representation:
- President : Naseer Ahmad Dar, District Judge
- Vice-President : Jatinder Singh Jamwal, District Judge
- General Secretary : Chemit Yurgyal, Civil Judge (Senior Division)
- Treasurer : Babar Hussain, Civil Judge (Senior Division)
Rounding out the 14-member team are: - Manjeet Singh Manhas, Malik Shabir Ahmad, Yash Paul Sharma, Ms. Spalzes Angmo, Prem Sagar, and Ms. Mehreen Mushtaq (all District Judges) - Towfeel Ahmad Mir (Civil Judge, Junior Division) - Ms. Rekha Kapoor, Mohammad Istiyag Alam Baba, and Ms. Shama Sharma (Civil Judges, Senior Division) - Arshad Aziz Qureshi (Civil Judge, Junior Division)
This composition, drawn from across jurisdictions, underscores the High Court's emphasis on inclusivity.
Clear Mandate: Three-Month Sprint to Stability
"The shall function for three months from the date of registration of Association."
The order explicitly limits the interim team's tenure to kickstart registration and handle transitional duties. Circulated to principal district judges, registrars, and concerned officers, it ensures wide dissemination and immediate compliance.
Key Observations from the Order
The Registrar General's directive cuts through with precise language:
"In continuation to High Court Order No. 717 of 2026/RG dated read with High Court Order No. 719 of 2026/RG dated , an comprising the following, is hereby constituted for the purpose of initial registration and transitional functioning of the subject Association."
"Nominated as President: Naseer Ahmad Dar, District Judge; Vice-President: Jatinder Singh Jamwal, District Judge..."
These passages highlight the administrative efficiency and focus on swift institutionalization.
Implications: A New Chapter for Judicial Unity
This order marks a milestone, empowering judicial officers with a formal platform for collective voice. Practically, it streamlines registration processes under the High Court's oversight, potentially influencing future associations in other jurisdictions. By capping the ad-hoc phase at three months, the court signals a commitment to timely evolution into a permanent structure, fostering professional development without prolonged uncertainty.
