New Delhi, Apr 18: In a first, a Kashmiri woman lawyer has been recommended for elevation as a judge of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court.
The High Court Collegium has recommended 11 persons—10 lawyers and one judicial officer—for appointment as judges of the High Court. The list includes Tabasum Zafar, a woman lawyer from Kashmir. If approved, she will become the first Kashmiri woman to be elevated to the High Court bench.
The lawyers recommended include Vishal Sharma (Assistant Solicitor General), Namgyal Wangchuk, Jahangir Iqbal Ganai, Pawan Kumar Kundal, Tahir Majid Shamsi (Deputy Solicitor General), Tabasum Zafar, Anupam Raina, Vikram Kumar Sharma, Amit Gupta (former Additional Advocate General), and Pranav Kohli. The lone judicial officer recommended is Yash Paul Bourney.
Official sources said the selection process was extensive, with merit, integrity, competence and standing at the Bar as the primary considerations. The Collegium is also understood to have taken into account regional and social representation.
Sources told Kashmir Convener that emphasis was laid on representation from the Kashmir Bar as well as inclusion from the Union Territory of Ladakh, including from the Buddhist community. The recommendations also reflect consideration of Kashmiri Pandit, Scheduled Tribe and Scheduled Caste communities.
In November 2024, the Union Ministry of Law and Justice, in consultation with the Chief Justice of India, had enhanced the sanctioned strength of the High Court from 17 to 25 judges—19 permanent and six additional. The High Court is currently functioning with 13 judges against the sanctioned strength of 25, leaving 12 posts vacant.
Comments are closed.