Ladakh LG approves Leh as High Court sitting site and withdraws criminal cases

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has approved the withdrawal of criminal cases against 20 individuals involved in the violence that occurred in Leh on September 24 last year. The decision, made following a review and recommendation from the Ladakh police, aims to promote peace, public tranquility, and social harmony within the Union Territory.

In a separate administrative development, Lieutenant Governor Saxena has also approved Leh as the initial location for the sitting bench of the High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh. This decision follows a recommendation from the High Court Chief Justice, citing the high volume of litigation in the Leh Division, which accounts for approximately 60 per cent of the Union Territory’s pending cases.

Leh was selected due to its administrative importance and the availability of temporary infrastructure to allow the Bench to begin functioning immediately. The Department of Law & Justice will coordinate with the Deputy Commissioner of Leh to finalize administrative and residential arrangements.