Srinagar, Oct 10 (KNS): Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati, on Saturday called for greater participation of women lawyers and wider adoption of technology in the judicial system, warning that institutions risk falling behind if they fail to adapt to changing societal expectations.

Addressing a gathering of judicial officers and advocates at the District Court Complex in Srinagar, the Chief Justice said the legal fraternity must embrace technological advancements while upholding the independence of the judiciary and ensuring access to justice.

The remarks came during his interaction with judicial officers and a felicitation programme organised by the Kashmir Advocates Association, which announced its decision in principle to induct five women lawyers into its Executive Committee.

Welcoming the decision, Justice Bhati said greater representation of women in the legal profession was essential for its progress and development.

Drawing upon his experience as a practising lawyer, the Chief Justice emphasised the importance of encouraging and supporting women advocates and creating opportunities for their greater participation in professional and institutional decision-making.

He recalled the pioneering contribution of Cornelia Sorabji, India's first woman lawyer, and stressed the need to bring women legal professionals to the forefront.

Justice Bhati described lawyers as important custodians of constitutional rights and access to justice, saying the Bench and the Bar must work together to strengthen public confidence in the judicial system.

Earlier, interacting with judicial officers at the District Court Complex, the Chief Justice urged them to discharge their responsibilities fearlessly and compassionately while maintaining an unwavering commitment to the rule of law.

He said the judiciary played a crucial role in safeguarding citizens' rights, ensuring access to justice and maintaining public trust in the administration of justice.

Emphasising institutional harmony, Justice Bhati said collective responsibility, mutual trust and cooperation were essential for the effective functioning of courts.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

He encouraged judicial officers to maintain high standards of judicial conduct, work collaboratively and foster a conducive professional environment.

The Chief Justice also expressed satisfaction with the professional competence and dedication of judicial officers serving in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, while stressing the importance of continuous learning and guidance from senior judicial officers.

Principal District and Sessions Judge Srinagar Naseer Ahmad Dar welcomed the Chief Justice and reaffirmed the district judiciary's commitment to timely disposal of cases, quality adjudication and reduction of pendency.

At the felicitation programme, Kashmir Advocates Association president Waseem Gul highlighted the role of district courts as the first accessible forum of justice for ordinary citizens.

He sought the Chief Justice's intervention and guidance in improving court infrastructure, strengthening facilities for lawyers and litigants, expanding legal aid services, promoting alternative dispute resolution and introducing structured training programmes for young advocates.

Gul also assured the Association's cooperation in strengthening the administration of justice and improving coordination between the Bench and the Bar.

Announcing the proposed inclusion of five women lawyers in the Association's Executive Committee, he said the decision had been accepted in principle and would be formally implemented shortly.

The Chief Justice appreciated the initiative and reiterated that meaningful participation of women advocates, technological adaptation and professional cooperation were essential to strengthening the justice delivery system.

He called upon judicial officers and advocates to remain responsive to evolving public expectations while preserving the dignity, independence and credibility of the judiciary. (KNS)