HC flags Registry lapses in case records, orders strict compliance

Jammu Tawi, Sep 02 : The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has directed its Registry to ensure strict compliance with the prescribed rules while preparing paper books in civil and criminal cases, after noticing discrepancies in the manner in which case records were being compiled.

According to the details, the directions were issued by the Registrar Judicial, Srinagar, through a circular following an order passed by the High Court on July 30 in Criminal Appeal (S) No. 2 of 2026, Mohammad Akram Khan vs State, now Union Territory of J&K through VOK (now ACB).

As per the circular, the High Court observed that paper books prepared by the Registry were not in accordance with the provisions contained in Chapter X of the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Rules, causing inconvenience to advocates appearing in the matters.

Taking note of the issue, the High Court has asked the Registrar Judicials of both the Srinagar and Jammu wings to ensure that the provisions of Chapter X are followed in letter and spirit while preparing paper books in civil as well as criminal matters.

The circular has also assigned direct supervisory responsibility to the Assistant Registrar, Digitization Section, who has been directed to personally oversee the preparation of each paper book before it is forwarded to the concerned advocates.

The Registry has further been cautioned that any lapse or deviation from the prescribed procedure would be viewed seriously.

The circular includes an annexure reproducing Chapter X of the High Court Rules, which specifies the procedure for preparation, arrangement and distribution of paper books.

Under the rules, paper books are required to contain all material documents necessary for hearing of a case. The prescribed format includes consecutive pagination, printing or typing on one side of each sheet and numbering of every tenth line.

The paper book is required to be divided into two parts. Part I comprises the principal pleadings, along with judgments and orders of subordinate courts, while Part II contains the oral and documentary evidence.

In criminal appeals involving death sentences, the rules provide for inclusion of the charge-sheet, judgment and memorandum of appeal or reference in Part I, with the complete oral and documentary evidence forming Part II.

The rules also mandate an index or table of contents in every paper book, while documents forming Part II are generally required to be arranged in chronological order.

The circular also draws attention to the provisions governing printing, typing, translation, copies and charges relating to paper books. In criminal matters, printing and typing are generally provided free of cost to the parties, subject to the exceptions prescribed under the rules, including certain appeals or revisions against acquittal instituted by private complainants or parties.

The rules also empower the Registrar to determine the minimum number of copies required for the hearing of a case, including copies meant for the court and parties entitled to receive them.

The latest directions are aimed at ensuring greater procedural compliance within the Registry and preventing inconvenience to advocates by ensuring that properly prepared paper books are supplied before cases come up for hearing—(KNO)