JAMMU, DECEMBER 20: Under the patronage of Chief Justice, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh (Patron-in-Chief, J&K Judicial Academy), Arun Palli and guidance of Chairperson and Members of Governing Committee for J&K Judicial Academy, the Jammu & Kashmir Judicial Academy Saturday organised a one-day workshop on “Enhancing Judicial Sensitivity in the Conduct of Civil Suits” for Civil Judges (Junior Division) of Jammu Province at the J&K Judicial Academy premises, Janipur, Jammu.
The inaugural address, as per an official statement, was delivered by Justice Rahul Bharti, Judge, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, and Member, Governing Committee of the J&K Judicial Academy. Justice Bharti expressed concern over the practice of repeated adjournments in civil cases, observing that courts often grant time for years together at the request of both parties, resulting in enormous wastage of judicial time. He remarked that this concern formed the basis for conceptualizing the present programme.
Emphasizing that every case requires 100 percent mental and physical commitment, he cautioned against passing the burden of pending cases to successors and observed that habits formed at the entry level shape efficiency at higher judicial positions.
The first technical session was conducted by Justice Janak Raj Kotwal, Former Judge, High Court of J&K, who deliberated on judicial sensitivity in pleadings, framing of issues and early-stage case management. He emphasized understanding pleadings beyond technicalities, identifying the real issues in dispute, effective application of Order X of the Code of Civil Procedure and the need to avoid unnecessary adjournments at the initial stages of civil suits.
The second session was addressed by Justice Bansi Lal Bhat, Former Judge, High Court of J&K, who focused on recording and appreciation of evidence while avoiding procedural rigidity. The session highlighted the sensitivity during examination and cross-examination of witnesses, maintaining dignity of litigants, appreciating evidence in the light of ground realities and exercising judicial discretion meaningfully to prevent delays caused by non-cooperation of counsel or witnesses.
The third session was conducted by Naseer Ahmad Dar, Director, J&K Judicial Academy, who through a PowerPoint Presentation discussed on balancing the urgency and fairness while deciding interim applications and final adjudication. He emphasized proportionality, equity, sensitivity in socially and emotionally charged disputes, the importance of hearing all parties effectively, delivering reasoned and concise judgments and ensuring timely pronouncement of judgments in accordance with the Code of Civil Procedure.
The sessions were highly interactive and evoked active participation from the judicial officers.
