The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has shifted to virtual hearings and suspended several non-essential travel and administrative activities, citing surging global crude oil prices and the need to conserve fuel through what it described as “economic self-defence due to the fuel situation.”

The directive, issued by Registrar General M K Sharma, states that from May 21 onwards the court will encourage virtual hearings and online appearance of lawyers in all cases. Lawyers have been instructed to adhere strictly to the prescribed decorum and protocol for video-conferencing proceedings to ensure smooth judicial functioning.

During the upcoming summer vacation beginning June 8, nominated Vacation Benches will also conduct hearings exclusively through virtual mode. However, the order provides limited flexibility, allowing advocates who are unable to join via video conferencing due to unavoidable circumstances to appear physically when the court is in session.

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In addition to the shift in court proceedings, the High Court has suspended the Leave Travel Concession (LTC) facility for judicial officers and staff until further orders. The suspension will not affect LTC already sanctioned. Physical administrative inspections and district visits have also been placed on hold as part of the cost-control measures.

The order further directs that all administrative meetings be conducted virtually and that the J&K Judicial Academy will halt physical training programmes, shifting workshops, orientations, and academic activities online. Registry officers have also been instructed to pool official transport wherever feasible to reduce fuel consumption and optimise the use of government resources.

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