Srinagar: The President of India has appointed Justice Sanjeev Kumar, a Judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, to perform the duties of the office of the Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
According to an official notification issued under Article 223 of the Constitution of India, Justice Sanjeev Kumar will discharge the functions of the Chief Justice following the appointment of Justice Arun Palli, the incumbent Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, as a Judge of the Supreme Court of India.
The appointment ensures continuity in the functioning of the High Court until a regular Chief Justice is appointed.
Meanwhile, a Full Court Reference was held in the courtroom of the Chief Justice at the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Arun Palli, to honour him on his elevation as a judge of the Supreme Court of India.
The Full Court Reference, when all the judges of a court assemble, was convened in accordance with the long-standing conventions and cherished institutional traditions of the high court, an official spokesperson said.
Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Justice Sindhu Sharma, Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Justice Sanjay Dhar, Justice Mohd. Akram Chowdhary, Justice Rahul Bharti, Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, Justice Rajesh Sekhri, Justice Mohd. Yousuf Wani, Justice Sanjay Parihar and Justice Shahzad Azeem, along with the spouses of the judges of the high court, attended the farewell ceremony.
The proceedings were also attended by former chief justices, former judges of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh, the chief secretary, director general of police and members of the legal fraternity.
The officers and officials and advocates of the high court from the Jammu Wing joined the proceedings virtually.
Mohsin Qadri, Senior Additional Advocate General, Srinagar, gave an address, highlighting the distinguished judicial career, scholarship, administrative acumen and commitment of Justice Arun Palli to the cause of justice.
The senior additional advocate general said the tenure of Chief Justice Arun Palli was marked by vision, integrity, accessibility and a steadfast commitment towards strengthening the justice delivery system, promoting institutional efficiency and upholding the highest traditions of the judiciary.
Justice Sanjeev Kumar, who has been appointed acting chief justice of the high court, reflected upon Chief Justice Palli’s illustrious judicial career, exceptional leadership and invaluable contribution as the chief justice.
He recalled the profound impact of Justice Palli’s stewardship on the administration of justice and the functioning of the high court.
He lauded his dedication, humility, clarity of thought and commitment to judicial excellence.
Responding to the addresses at his farewell, Chief Justice Palli expressed heartfelt gratitude to the companion judges, members of the Bar, judicial officers, and officials of the Registry and all stakeholders for their cooperation, affection and support during his tenure.
He reflected upon his association with the high court and emphasised the importance of preserving the cherished traditions, values and independence of the institution.
He also placed on record his appreciation for the contribution of the Bar and the dedication of the officers and staff of the high court in ensuring effective administration of justice.
