J-K: High court announces virtual hearings amid fuel conservation measures

The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on Wednesday announced the adoption of virtual hearings and hybrid working arrangements as part of fuel conservation measures following Prime Minister Narendra Modi's appeal.

A circular issued by the high court's registrar general said the measures have been adopted in view of the nationwide call for adoption of measures relating to ''economic self-defence'' amid concerns arising from rising crude oil prices and energy security.

The measures would remain in force until further orders, it said.

''With effect from 21.05.2026, the high court shall encourage virtual hearings and virtual appearance by learned counsel, subject to observance of the decorum and protocol prescribed for virtual proceedings,'' the circular said.

It said that during the vacation period commencing on June 8, the nominated vacation benches shall deal with the matters coming before them through virtual mode.

''However, learned advocates who, for some unavoidable reasons, are unable to participate via video conferencing mode may appear physically before the hon'ble court(s) whenever it is functioning physically,'' it said.

''No physical administrative inspection or visit of the districts shall be conducted till further orders. All administrative meetings shall be convened virtually,'' the circular added.

The order said the LTC facility for judicial officers and staff of the high court, except those already granted, shall remain unavailable till further orders.

''However, for any number of days during which the LTC facility remains unavailable during any month, the relevant LTC block period shall stand extended by one month,'' it added.

The court said the Judicial Academy shall not conduct any physical training programme, and all training programmes, workshops, orientations, and related academic activities shall be conducted only through virtual mode.

''The officers of the registry shall, wherever feasible, pool the transport facilities allotted to them to minimise fuel consumption and ensure optimal utilisation of official resources,'' the circular said.

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