Justice Tashi Rabstan, Acting Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, inaugurated the Heritage Munsiff Court in R S Pura today, marking a significant milestone for the region and underscoring the importance of preserving the judicial system’s historical legacy.

Dignitaries in Attendance: The ceremony was graced by notable dignitaries including MK Sharma, Principal Secretary to the Chief Justice; Rajesh Gupta, Chief Engineer of R&B, Jammu; Seema Parihar, SDM, R S Pura; Parveen Pandoh, Special Mobile Magistrate, Jammu; and the President and Secretary of the Bar Association, R S Pura. Justice Rabstan was warmly welcomed by Sanjay Parihar, Principal District and Sessions Judge, Jammu, along with his team comprising Sandeep Sen, Munsiff, R S Pura, and Rashi Verma, Additional Munsiff, R S Pura.

Tour and Engagement: Following the inauguration, Justice Rabstan toured the court complex, engaging with bar members and expressing his appreciation for their efforts. He instructed the administration to expedite tile-work in the court compound to prevent water-logging and announced the dedication of separate washrooms for male and female lawyers. SDM R S Pura also committed to providing separate toilets for litigants.

Future Developments: Justice Rabstan assured that the High Court is reviewing a proposal for a new court complex to accommodate more than two courts, addressing the growing needs of the judicial system in R S Pura.

Historical Significance: During a media briefing, District Judge Sanjay Parihar highlighted the historic significance of the Munsiff court complex, established in 1905 and noted as the oldest building in the area. Preserved with the help of the High Court and the Archaeological Survey of India, the building retains its original grandeur. “Historically, English judges presided here, with jurisdiction extending to Sialkot,” he remarked.

Planned Improvements: Parihar elaborated on the improvements, stating that the new Munsiff court building, replacing a makeshift structure, will enhance facilities for litigants and lawyers. “Plans are underway to construct a new court building in R S Pura to address space constraints,” he added. He also revealed that a Rs 6 lakh project for a shed for litigants and advocates has been proposed by the Acting Chief Justice, with further discussions in progress regarding pre-fabricated tin structures for advocates.

Significance of the Event: The inauguration of the Heritage Munsiff Court signifies a blend of historical preservation and modern judicial infrastructure development, ensuring better service delivery for the people of R S Pura.