SAMBA: Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, Judge High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and Administrative Judge for Samba district, today conducted an extensive visit to the District Court Complex, Samba.
The Judge was accorded a distinguished welcome by the Principal District & Sessions Judge, Ashwani Kumar Sharma, senior judicial officers, officers of the Civil Administration and Police department & the Bar members.
In a deeply reflecting keynote address, Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal delivered a series of profound observations on the role, responsibilities and constitutional mission of the District Judiciary, drawing upon jurisprudential wisdom and the lived realities of the justice system.
Justice Nargal invoked the recent words of the Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, emphasising that true justice resides at the grassroots, for it is here that a citizen first approaches the legal system in defence of his rights. He underscored that when the district judiciary is strong, the heart of the Constitution beats with renewed vitality.
He noted that though Samba is a comparatively young district, it has steadily gained judicial relevance, especially for the border belt.
Justice Nargal emphasised that infrastructure is not merely physical construction but the entire ecosystem; courtrooms, digital systems, libraries, public facilities, human resources necessary for justice to be dispensed with dignity, efficiency and accessibility. He stressed that infrastructure improvement is a constitutional obligation, not an administrative formality.
Reiterating that “Justice delayed is justice denied,” he observed that pendency not only burdens the litigant but weighs upon the conscience of every judge. However, he cautioned that even while ensuring expeditious disposal, the quality of justice must never be compromised. Access to justice, he stated, flows directly from Articles 14 and 21 and is a constitutional command, not a matter of convenience or charity.
He highlighted the judicial shift towards e-filing, virtual hearings, digital records and online access to court services. The e-Courts project, he said, has brought transparency, efficiency and accessibility even in remote districts. Technology, he stated, must become a reliable facilitator of justice and not merely an administrative enhancement.
Justice Nargal spoke with emphasis on indispensable harmony between the Bench and the Bar. He reminded that patience, professionalism and ethical discipline are the hallmarks of the legal fraternity. He urged the young lawyers to persevere with character, dignity and hard work, stressing that “Integrity will outlast brilliance; character will outshine cleverness.”
He strongly advocated for mediation and conciliation, calling them humane, efficient and socially restorative methods that preserve relationships and reduce pendency. He addressed judicial officers directly, reminding them that their conduct is the face of the judiciary. Patience, impartiality, dignity and courtesy must define their daily functioning. He expressed gratitude to the silent workforce clerks, stenographers, process servers, record keepers whose dedication ensures that justice never falters.
Justice Nargal concluded with the timeless principle “Justice must not only be done, but must also appear to have been done.” He urged all stakeholders to guard this principle with humility, vigilance, and unwavering fidelity to constitutional values.
Aligned with the formally circulated agenda for the visit, Justice Nargal convened three separate review meetings.
In a meeting with the District Administration led by Deputy Commissioner Samba, Ayushi Sudan, Justice Nargal reviewed matters related to furnishing and urgent repair of residential quarters of judicial officers. Other issues included need for immediate improvement in sanitation, cleanliness and waste-management systems in the complex, black-topping and levelling of internal roads, ensuring uninterrupted power supply, including the status of backup systems and solar installations, progress on boundary wall and main entrance gate, key to perimeter security, establishment of a J&K Bank Extension Counter within the complex and creation of a designated area for photocopy/ documentation vendors.
The Deputy Commissioner assured full cooperation and expedited execution of all pending civil works.
In a meeting with the Police department, led by Senior Superintendent of Police, Varinder Singh Manhas, Justice Nargal undertook a detailed review of, strengthening of the security grid of the District Court Complex, construction of a Security Guard Room, provision of washroom facilities for security personnel, review of security and storage arrangements in the Malkhana, including seized articles, streamlining the movement of litigants and vehicles for dignified entry and safety of all.
The SSP briefed on current arrangements and assured enhanced coordination with the court authorities.
In a meeting with the Bar Association, Samba led by President Ajay Singh Charak, Justice Nargal discussed progress on Lawyers Chambers Phase-II including utilities and construction status, adequate seating space for the Prosecution Wing within court premises, cooperation between Bench and Bar for reducing adjournments, promoting ADR, enhancing the overall institutional environment and strengthening mentorship culture for young advocates.
Members of the Bar expressed gratitude to Justice Nargal for his constructive guidance and reaffirmed their commitment to collaborative institutional advancement.