CNN kashmir

Training Programme for Newly Selected Civil Judges held at J&K Judicial Academ Srinagar

Srinagar, June 06, CNS:
The Jammu & Kashmir Judicial Academy today commenced the Pre-Appointment Induction Training Programme for 39 newly selected Civil Judges (Junior Division) at its Srinagar campus. The programme was inaugurated by Hon'ble Mr. Justice Arun Palli, Judge, Supreme Court of India, in the august presence of Hon'ble Mr. Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Acting Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh; Hon'ble Mr. Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh and Chairperson, Governing Committee for J&K Judicial Academy; and other companion Judges of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh.

Delivering the Inaugural Address, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Arun Palli described judicial service as a public trust and emphasized that trial court judges represent the face of the judiciary for most citizens. His Lordship urged the newly selected officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity, humility and fairness, remain committed to continuous learning, and strive to strengthen public confidence in the justice delivery system through their conduct and decisions.

In his Special Address, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Acting Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh congratulated the newly selected officers and emphasized that judicial service demands integrity, impartiality, discipline and compassion. His Lordship advised the participants to remain lifelong learners, maintain the highest ethical standards, embrace technology responsibly, avoid overdependence on artificial intelligence, and discharge their duties fearlessly and fairly in accordance with law.
In his introductory remarks, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Rajnesh Oswal highlighted the significance of the transition from the Bar to the Bench and described it as a momentous milestone requiring a shift from partisan advocacy to impartial adjudication. His Lordship reminded the participants that a judge's foremost allegiance is to the Constitution and the rule of law. His Lordship emphasized the virtues of patience, restraint, independence and continuous learning as essential attributes of a judicial officer.

Earlier, in his welcome address, Mr. Naseer Ahmad Dar, Director, J&K Judicial Academy, welcomed the dignitaries and participants and highlighted the importance of judicial education in strengthening the justice delivery system. He informed that the induction programme has been designed to equip the newly selected officers with the knowledge, skills and ethical foundations necessary for judicial service.

Following the inaugural ceremony, the academic proceedings commenced with Session-I on “Introduction to the Training Programme Module – Background”, jointly conducted by Hon'ble Mr. Justice Rajnesh Oswal and Hon'ble Mr. Justice Sanjay Parihar, Judges of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh. The session familiarized the participants with the objectives, structure and expected outcomes of the induction training programme and provided an overview of the professional journey that lies ahead for newly jappointed judicial officers.
Session-II of the programme was conducted by Mr. Naseer Ahmad Dar, Director, J&K Judicial Academy, on “Role and Ethical Expectations of a Civil Judge (Junior Division)”. The session deliberated upon the ethical responsibilities of trial court judges, courtroom discipline, judicial temperament, and the need to maintain dignity, impartiality and professionalism in judicial proceedings.

In the post-lunch session, Hon'ble Mr. Justice Bashir Ahmad Kirmani conducted the Last Session of the day on “Foundations of Judicial Ethics”. During the session, His Lordship highlighted the significance of ethics as the foundation of both personal and professional life, emphasizing that judicial ethics constitutes the cornerstone of a judge's conduct. Stressing the vital importance of judicial independence, His Lordship observed that true independence emanates from an individual's conscience and moral integrity, enabling judges to discharge their duties impartially and without external influence. The session underscored that judicial independence is not merely a matter of personal freedom but a solemn responsibility to uphold ethical values, fairness and the rule of law in the administration of justice.

The participants actively engaged in the deliberations and discussions throughout the day. The induction training programme shall continue with a series of thematic sessions aimed at enhancing professional competence, ethical awareness and judicial excellence among the newly selected Civil Judges (Junior Division).(CNS)