Leh, Sept 5: The Union Territory of Ladakh (Sitting of Bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in Ladakh) Regulation, 2026, providing for a Bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to sit in the Union Territory, came into force on Saturday.
Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena appointed September 5, 2026, as the date for the Regulation to take effect through a notification in the Official Gazette.
The Regulation was promulgated by the President of India on August 27, 2026. It provides that the legislation would come into force on a date appointed by the Administrator through an official notification.
The implementation marks an important step towards establishing and operationalising a High Court Bench in Ladakh. Further action will involve consultations with the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and concerned departments regarding judicial, administrative, infrastructural, financial and logistical arrangements.
The proposed Bench is expected to improve access to justice for people across Ladakh, particularly those living in remote and far-flung areas. At present, litigants requiring High Court proceedings may have to travel outside the Union Territory, involving significant expenditure of time and money.
Welcoming the move, L-G Saxena said the initiative was particularly significant for Ladakh given its vast geographical area, difficult terrain, long distances and harsh weather conditions.
“The Bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in Ladakh is a historic step towards bringing justice closer to the people,” Saxena said.
He added that the move would substantially improve access to justice for residents of remote areas and make the judicial system more accessible.
The Lieutenant Governor also expressed gratitude to President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah for strengthening the justice delivery system in Ladakh.
