JK HC reconstitutes judges’ committees

SRINAGAR: The High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh has formally reconstituted its committees of Judges following the retirement of Justice Javed Iqbal Wani on March 23, 2026.

The reconstitution was ordered by the Chief Justice through Order No. 516 of 2026/RG dated April 9, 2026, issued from the office of the Registrar General at Srinagar. The move updates the composition and functioning of multiple key administrative, infrastructural, financial, and technological committees within the High Court and its subordinate judiciary across Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh.

The Administrative Committee, which handles service conditions, disciplinary matters, promotions, and judicial performance review, will now be led by the Chief Justice and include Justices Sanjeev Kumar, Sindhu Sharma, and Rajnesh Oswal. The committee is empowered to oversee critical functions such as screening of judicial officers beyond prescribed ages, grant of pay scales, and structural decisions on courts.

Separate Building and Infrastructure Committees have been constituted for both Srinagar and Jammu wings.

The Srinagar Wing committee, comprising Justices Sanjay Dhar and Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, will supervise infrastructure development, including the construction of the new High Court complex in Srinagar.

The Jammu Wing committee includes Justices Rajnesh Oswal, Mohd. Akram Chowdhary, and Rahul Bharti, tasked with similar responsibilities in Jammu.

In addition, a dedicated committee for subordinate courts will oversee infrastructure across Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh regions, ensuring coordination with government departments for timely completion of projects.

The Finance Committee, comprising Justices Sanjeev Kumar, Sindhu Sharma, and Rajnesh Oswal, will supervise procurement and monitor the utilization of funds, including allocations under the 14th Finance Commission.

The Protocol Committee has been tasked with managing hospitality, guest houses, and official functions, reflecting the court’s administrative expansion and operational needs.

A key highlight of the reconstitution is the strengthened Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence Committee. This body will oversee digitization of court records, implementation of e-filing systems, video conferencing infrastructure, and live streaming of court proceedings.

 The committee, comprising Justices Sanjeev Kumar, Rajnesh Oswal, Sanjay Dhar, and Rahul Bharti, will also drive the implementation of national e-Courts projects and adoption of emerging technologies in judicial administration.

The reconstitution reflects a comprehensive restructuring of judicial administration in the High Court, aimed at improving efficiency, transparency, and infrastructure development across the Union Territories of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh.