Srinagar, Mar 15: 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 said 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.
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 said 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, Rs 150 crore had been approved, out of which Rs 137 crore had already been released. “So far, Rs 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 Rs 250 crore has been proposed to further enhance judicial infrastructure,” it said.
The government said that the new High Court Complex at Bemina, Srinagar, is under construction at an estimated cost of Rs 908 crore, with its main building worth Rs 326 crore. The facility will house 25 courtrooms, a facilitation centre, Bar Rooms, and legal service offices, aimed at improving accessibility to justice.
Parra also raised questions 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 specialised courts to expedite justice delivery.
Furthermore, the government said 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.
Parra said judicial infrastructure has a crucial role in ensuring fair trials and timely justice. He called for greater transparency and accountability in the government’s claims. “There is a need for concrete measures to modernise the judicial system and ensure that justice remains accessible to all, particularly in far-flung areas of Jammu and Kashmir,” he said.
