People’s Democratic Party (PDP) leader and MLA Pulwama, Waheed ur Rehman Parra, on Saturday raised key questions regarding the judicial infrastructure development and reformative measures undertaken by the government to improve the Criminal Justice System in Jammu and Kashmir.
Seeking clarity on the state of judicial infrastructure, Parra asked the government to provide details on the progress made under the UT Capex Budget and Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS). He questioned whether these initiatives had effectively enhanced the efficiency, accessibility, and functionality of the judicial system in the region.
In response, the government stated that significant efforts have been made under the UT Capex Budget and CSS to strengthen judicial infrastructure. It highlighted that various projects have been initiated to ensure timely justice delivery and improved working conditions for legal professionals. The government informed the Assembly that the construction of new court buildings and residential accommodations for judges has contributed to smoother case management and a well-equipped judicial environment. Additionally, digital infrastructure improvements, including the establishment of digital computer rooms and Bar Halls in several courts, have been undertaken to support both lawyers and litigants.
The government further assured that security measures in judicial premises have been strengthened, with CCTV cameras installed across courts to ensure the safety of judges, legal practitioners, and the general public. It also stated that several district and subordinate courts, particularly in remote areas, have been expanded and upgraded to improve access to justice.
Addressing the financial aspects, the government informed that for the financial year 2024-25, ?150 crore had been approved, out of which ?137 crore had already been released. So far, ?72.88 crore has been incurred, with 89 judiciary projects under execution, including 32 new works. The government also revealed that for the financial year 2025-26, a budget of ?250 crore has been proposed to further enhance judicial infrastructure.
The government said that the new High Court Complex at Bemina, Srinagar, is under construction at an estimated cost of ?908 crore, with its main building worth ?326 crore. The facility will house 25 courtrooms, a facilitation center, Bar Rooms, and legal service offices, aimed at improving accessibility to justice.
The government added that the District Court Complex at Sarnal, Anantnag, is being constructed at a cost of ?106 crore, while the Munsiff Court at Doru is being developed with a budget of ?19.84 crore. It further informed that the Munsiff Court in Pahalgam is being built at a cost of ?4.50 crore, and the Munsiff Court in Akhnoor is being developed with an allocation of ?3.00 crore. Additionally, the government stated that the District Court Complex in Kupwara, constructed at a cost of ?10.50 crore, and the District Court Complex in Shopian, with an allocation of ?14 crore, are nearing completion.
Parra also raised question regarding the reformative and remedial measures taken by the government to ensure fair trials and speedy justice in Jammu and Kashmir.
In response, the government cited the establishment of specialized courts to expedite justice delivery. It informed that four Fast Track Special Courts and four Additional Sessions Courts had been set up in Samba, Bandipora, Ganderbal, and Poonch. Additionally, two Special Courts have been created for the trial of offences under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, while five NDPS Courts have been established in Jammu, Anantnag, Baramulla, Pulwama, and Srinagar to handle narcotics-related cases.
Furthermore, the government stated that 21 Gram Nyayalayas had been set up across various districts to provide justice at the grassroots level, and Juvenile Justice Boards have been established in all 20 districts to ensure that juvenile cases are handled with care and efficiency.
Addressing concerns regarding judicial vacancies and training, the government stated that 65 Civil Judge (Junior Division) posts had recently been filled to strengthen the judiciary. It also assured that training programs for judicial officers were being conducted to align judicial procedures with the implementation of the three new criminal laws.
Parra, asserting that, the crucial role of judicial infrastructure in ensuring fair trials and timely justice, called for greater transparency and accountability in the government’s claims. He emphasized the need for concrete measures to modernize the judicial system and ensure that justice remains accessible to all, particularly in far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
