J&K Judicial Academy Launches Induction Training Programme for 39 Newly Selected Civil Judges
Srinagar, June 6 (PTK): The Jammu and Kashmir Judicial Academy on Friday commenced a Pre-Appointment Induction Training Programme for 39 newly selected Civil Judges (Junior Division) at its Srinagar campus, marking the beginning of their journey into judicial service.
The programme was inaugurated by Justice Arun Palli, Judge, Supreme Court of India, in the presence of Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Acting Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Chairperson of the Governing Committee for J&K Judicial Academy, and other Judges of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh.
Addressing the inaugural session, Justice Arun Palli described judicial service as a public trust and observed that trial court judges represent the face of the judiciary for the majority of citizens interacting with the justice delivery system.
He urged the newly selected judicial officers to uphold the highest standards of integrity, humility and fairness, while remaining committed to continuous learning and strengthening public confidence in the judiciary through their conduct and decisions.
In his special address, Acting Chief Justice Justice Sanjeev Kumar congratulated the selected officers and emphasized that judicial service demands unwavering integrity, impartiality, discipline and compassion.
He advised participants to remain lifelong learners, maintain the highest ethical standards, responsibly embrace technological advancements and avoid excessive dependence on artificial intelligence while discharging their judicial responsibilities fearlessly and in accordance with the law.
Delivering introductory remarks, Justice Rajnesh Oswal highlighted the significance of the transition from the Bar to the Bench, describing it as a milestone that requires a shift from partisan advocacy to impartial adjudication.
He reminded the participants that a judge’s foremost allegiance is to the Constitution and the rule of law and emphasized the importance of patience, restraint, independence and continuous learning in judicial service.
Earlier, Director, J&K Judicial Academy, Naseer Ahmad Dar, welcomed the participants and highlighted the role of judicial education in strengthening the justice delivery system. He informed that the induction programme has been carefully designed to equip newly selected judicial officers with the knowledge, professional skills and ethical foundations required for effective judicial functioning.
Following the inauguration, the academic sessions commenced with a programme on “Introduction to the Training Programme Module – Background,” jointly conducted by Justice Rajnesh Oswal and Justice Sanjay Parihar, Judges of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh.
The session familiarized participants with the objectives, structure and expected outcomes of the induction programme while providing an overview of the professional responsibilities that lie ahead.
The second session, conducted by the Director of the Judicial Academy, focused on “Role and Ethical Expectations of a Civil Judge (Junior Division)” and deliberated on courtroom discipline, judicial temperament, ethical responsibilities and the importance of maintaining dignity, impartiality and professionalism.
In the post-lunch session, Justice Bashir Ahmad Kirmani delivered a lecture on “Foundations of Judicial Ethics.” He emphasized that ethics form the cornerstone of both personal and professional life and remain fundamental to the conduct of a judge.
Justice Kirmani highlighted the importance of judicial independence, stating that true independence stems from an individual’s conscience and moral integrity, enabling judges to discharge their duties impartially and free from external influence.
He observed that judicial independence is not merely a personal privilege but a solemn responsibility aimed at safeguarding fairness, ethical values and the rule of law.
The participants actively engaged in discussions and deliberations throughout the day. The induction programme will continue with a series of thematic sessions aimed at enhancing professional competence, ethical awareness and judicial excellence among the newly selected Civil Judges.(PTK)
