Cabinet approves J&K High Court bench in Ladakh
The Union Cabinet on 20 August 2026 approved a bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh to sit in the Union Territory of Ladakh.
Summary
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on 20 August 2026 approved the sitting of a bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in the Union Territory of Ladakh. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the decision on X, saying it would significantly improve access to justice for people in remote areas of Ladakh by cutting the time needed to reach legal services. The common High Court currently has its principal seats at Srinagar and Jammu, so litigants from Ladakh have had to travel long distances for High Court proceedings.
Key facts
- Decision
- Bench of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh to sit in Ladakh
- Approved by
- Union Cabinet, 20 August 2026
- Announced by
- Home Minister Amit Shah on X
- Current seats
- Srinagar and Jammu
- Aim
- Better access to justice for remote areas of Ladakh
Practice MCQs 2 questions
Where are the principal seats of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, which the Cabinet on 20 August 2026 allowed to sit as a bench in Ladakh?
Show answer
Correct answer: A — Srinagar and Jammu
The common High Court has its principal seats at Srinagar and Jammu; the Cabinet decision enables a bench to sit in Ladakh.
Consider the following statements about the Cabinet decision of 20 August 2026 on Ladakh: 1. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced the decision in a post on X. 2. The Ladakh bench will replace Jammu as a seat of the High Court. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: A — 1 only
Only statement 1 is correct. The decision adds a bench sitting in Ladakh; the High Court's seats at Srinagar and Jammu remain.