Srinagar : Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Thursday administered the oath of office to Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey as Chief Justice of High Court of J&K and Ladakh here.
Sources told GNS that sitting judges and some retired judges of the High Court, judicial officers, Advocate General, lawyers and other dignitaries from civil and police department participated in the ceremony.
Justice Magrey, who was born on December 8, 1960, in Wattoo village of Damhal Hanjipora in south Kashmir’s Kulgam district, is the 35th Chief Justice of the High Court. Chief Justice Magrey received school education in his native village and did his graduation and LLB (Honours) from the University of Kashmir.
He was enrolled as an advocate in the year 1984 and started practicing law in the district courts including revenue courts and tribunals.
Meanwhile, on the first day after taking oath as Chief Justice, Justice Magrey took a detailed review of functioning of courts besides obtained an appraisal of various developmental projects that are currently being carried out in the court complexes.
The Chief Justice said that every effort shall be taken to make judicial system “vibrant and effective”.
On his arrival to the High Court of J&K and Ladakh, Justice Magrey was given ceremonial guard of honour.
He also interacted with the officers of the Registry, Advocates and other staff members. He also had a virtual conference with Judicial Officers of both J&K and Ladakh.
All the Principal District and Sessions Judges of J&K and Ladakh briefed the Chief Justice about the functioning of Courts in their respective districts, the infrastructural requirements for smooth and proper functioning of the courts and several other issues.
Justice Magrey impressed upon all the Judicial Officers to work with zeal and dedication and highlighted their role in justice dispensation. He said that the foremost duty and concern of every judicial officer should be to ensure timely justice to the litigants.
He further emphasized to imbibe legal ethics and professionalism for maintaining higher standards of profession. He also impressed upon the Judicial Officers to make best use of technology in justice dispensation.
Justice Magrey also issued slew of directions to the Judicial Officers to refer maximum cases for disposal in the upcoming Special Lok Adalat to be held on October 21 so as to bring down the pendency. “He said that the pendency of a large number of cases in Courts is a huge challenge which can be met by resorting to ADR mechanism,” according to an official statement issued here. Later, Chief Justice also held meetings with Bar Associations of Srinagar, Jammu and Pulwama. (GNS)
