CJI Surya Kant Inaugurates New Ladakh Bench in Leh

Why in the News?

Chief Justice of India (CJI) **Surya Kant** inaugurated the new Ladakh Bench of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at Melongthang in Leh on October 18, 2026.

Key Features / Major Points:

- Location & Altitude: The new court complex is situated at Melongthang, Leh, at an altitude of 3,500 meters.

- Paperless & IT-Enabled Infrastructure: The complex functions as a fully paperless, IT-enabled court housing a Digitisation Centre, Filing Counter, Bar Room, Litigants' Sitting Area, and Video Conferencing Room.

- Supreme Court Virtual Access: CJI Surya Kant announced that the Supreme Court will list Ladakh-originated cases on dedicated days to be heard via video conferencing, sparing litigants and lawyers from traveling to Delhi.

- Four Major Initiatives Launched:

1. **Green Wall:** A virtual green wall initiative to promote ecological sustainability in the region.

2. **e-Filing Portal:** Enables electronic filing of cases without physical travel.

3. **Document Management System (DMS):** Facilitates digital storage and retrieval of judicial records.

4. **Online Recruitment Portal:** Ensures transparency and efficiency in judicial recruitment.

- Solar Energy Adoption: Work was also initiated to install solar power systems across 11 judicial locations in Ladakh.

Static GK Facts:

- High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh: Principal seats are located in Srinagar and Jammu.

- Chief Justice of India (CJI): Justice Surya Kant.

- Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh: Brigadier B.D. Mishra (Retd.).

One-Liner Quiz (All Competitive Exams):

Q: Who inaugurated the new Ladakh Bench of the High Court in Leh?

A: Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant

Q: At which location in Leh was the new Ladakh Bench established?

A: Melongthang

Q: What key technological feature defines the newly inaugurated Ladakh Bench complex?

A: It is a fully paperless and IT-enabled court complex

Q: Who is the Lieutenant Governor of Ladakh?

A: Brigadier B.D. Mishra (Retd.)

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