J&K HC orders 15-day summer vacation in subordinate courts in
The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has announced a 15-day summer vacation for district courts in the Jammu province. This break will commence on June 10, 2024, and will continue until June 24, 2024. This decision, however, does not apply to all district courts within the province.
According to an order issued by Registrar General Shahzad Azeem, the summer vacation excludes district courts in Kishtwar and Doda. Additionally, specific courts within Ramban and Kathua districts are also excluded from this vacation period. The courts in Batote, Gool, Banihal, and Ukhral in Ramban district, along with the court in Bani in Kathua district, will remain operational.
The order specifies that only the district courts located in the summer zone of Jammu province are entitled to this vacation. These measures are taken to account for the distinct climatic conditions experienced in different parts of the province.
Despite the summer vacation, the High Court has mandated that arrangements must be made for urgent criminal matters. The Principal District and Sessions Judges, along with Chief Judicial Magistrates of the concerned districts, are responsible for ensuring that urgent criminal business is handled efficiently during this period.
This provision ensures that the judicial process continues smoothly and that urgent matters receive timely attention. The judges and magistrates in the non-vacation zones are expected to coordinate and manage their duties to cover the essential judicial activities.
The announcement highlights the importance of balancing administrative breaks with the need to maintain essential judicial services. The High Court’s directive reflects its commitment to ensuring that justice is not delayed due to the summer vacation.
This approach also underscores the judiciary’s readiness to adapt to local conditions and maintain a steady workflow, even during holiday periods. It exemplifies the judiciary’s effort to remain accessible and functional for the public.
The High Court’s decision is in line with its administrative protocols and the necessity to provide rest periods for court personnel while ensuring uninterrupted judicial services for critical cases.
