SRINAGAR: The High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh has undertaken a significant reconstitution of its judges’ committees, a move necessitated by the retirement of Justice Javed Iqbal Wani on March 23, 2026.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the Chief Justice issued an order on April 9, 2026, from the Registrar General’s office in Srinagar, formally updating the composition of various administrative, infrastructural, financial, and technological committees. This restructuring impacts the High Court and its subordinate judiciary across the Union Territories of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh.
Administrative Oversight Enhanced
The newly formed Administrative Committee, responsible for critical areas such as service conditions, disciplinary actions, promotions, and the review of judicial performance, will be chaired by the Chief Justice. It will also include Justices Sanjeev Kumar, Sindhu Sharma, and Rajnesh Oswal. This committee holds the authority to oversee essential functions, including the screening of judicial officers nearing the age limit, the granting of pay scales, and structural decisions pertaining to court facilities.
Infrastructure Development Gets Focused Attention
Recognizing the importance of physical infrastructure, the High Court has established separate Building and Infrastructure Committees for its Srinagar and Jammu wings.
In Srinagar, Justices Sanjay Dhar and Moksha Khajuria Kazmi will lead the committee tasked with supervising infrastructure development, which includes the ongoing construction of the new High Court complex. In Jammu, Justices Rajnesh Oswal, Mohd. Akram Chowdhary, and Rahul Bharti will manage similar responsibilities within the Jammu wing.
Furthermore, a dedicated committee has been appointed to oversee infrastructure development specifically for subordinate courts across all three regions – Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh. This committee is mandated to ensure effective coordination with relevant government departments to facilitate the timely completion of construction projects.
Financial and Operational Monitoring Streamlined
The Finance Committee, comprising Justices Sanjeev Kumar, Sindhu Sharma, and Rajnesh Oswal, will assume responsibility for overseeing procurement processes and monitoring the judicious utilization of funds. This includes tracking allocations received under initiatives such as the 14th Finance Commission.
The Protocol Committee has been assigned the crucial role of managing court hospitality, guest house operations, and official functions, reflecting the expanding administrative and operational requirements of the High Court.
Digital Transformation and Technological Integration
A notable aspect of this reconstitution is the strengthening of the Information Technology and Artificial Intelligence Committee. This committee will spearhead the digitization of court records, the implementation of e-filing systems, the enhancement of video conferencing facilities, and the live streaming of court proceedings.
Composed of Justices Sanjeev Kumar, Rajnesh Oswal, Sanjay Dhar, and Rahul Bharti, this committee is also tasked with driving the adoption of national e-Courts projects and integrating emerging technologies into the broader framework of judicial administration.
The comprehensive restructuring of judicial committees signifies a concerted effort by the High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh to enhance efficiency, promote transparency, and accelerate infrastructure development across the Union Territories. The move also ensures administrative continuity following Justice Wani’s retirement while aligning the court’s governance with contemporary technological advancements and institutional needs.
The Chenab Times News Desk