Owais Gul
Srinagar, Jul 26: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Saturday said technology should be harnessed to democratise access to justice through mobile applications and virtual consultation platforms. He said justice today must not only be available but also truly accessible.
Addressing a gathering at SKICC during the North Zone Regional Conference organised by the J&K Legal Services Authority, the Chief Minister announced that the government has sanctioned a dedicated Law University for Jammu and Kashmir, with an initial allocation of Rs 50 crore. He added that preparatory work for this institution is already underway.
Omar said this platform will serve as a forum for deliberation and collective reflection on the foundational promise of the republic – the realisation of social, economic, and political justice as enshrined in the Constitution’s preamble and reinforced by Article 39A, which mandates that access to justice should not be impeded by economic or other disabilities.
“The focus of today’s conference, on the rights and entitlements of defence personnel and tribal communities, touches upon two vital segments of our society. One defends the Constitution with unwavering resolve, while the other has long awaited its full inclusion. Our discussions reaffirm our collective commitment to ensuring justice is not a deferred aspiration but a lived reality for both groups, those who serve selflessly and those who have been underserved for too long,” he said. “It is our collective duty to ensure our justice institutions respond swiftly, sensitively, and effectively.”
On the occasion of Vijay Diwas, the CM acknowledged the sacrifices of defence personnel, past and present. “Many of these brave men and women, including those from J&K, serve in remote, inhospitable terrains with dignity and duty. Yet, when faced with legal challenges, like service disputes, pensions, or civil grievances, they often encounter systemic barriers due to their postings and the constraints of military life,” he said. “These challenges constitute disabilities under Article 39A and must be addressed with urgency and compassion.”
He added, “It is unacceptable that those risking their lives to uphold the Constitution struggle to access its protections. I commend the J&K State Legal Services Authority for amending its legal aid rules to include serving and retired defence personnel. Recent procedural reforms by the High Court of J&K are steps in the right direction, but they must lead to deeper institutional engagement.”
Omar called for better coordination among Legal Service Authorities, Military Legal Cells, Zilla Sainik Boards, and Regimental Welfare Offices. “Legal aid clinics in cantonments and districts with significant ex-servicemen populations should be prioritised. He said families of defence personnel, especially widows, elderly parents, and dependents, must receive compassionate and timely legal support,” he urged.
“Awareness is key. No soldier or family member should be unaware of their legal rights or procedural avenues. Paralegal volunteers trained in military legal issues should be deployed in high-defence areas. Moreover, technology must be leveraged through mobile apps, virtual consultations, and user-friendly legal portals to ensure justice is accessible to all,” he said.
The Chief Minister highlighted the importance of tribal communities in J&K, including Gujjars, Bakarwals, Paharis, and others, who have preserved rich traditions while facing challenging terrains. “Recent legal protections like the Forest Rights Act, the Panchayats Extension to Scheduled Areas Act, and affirmative action policies mark significant steps in recognising their rights,” he said.
The government has increased capital expenditure for tribal welfare to Rs 98 crore this year. Initiatives include six Eklavvya model residential schools, 222 smart classrooms in tribal areas, expanded healthcare via mobile medical units, and the commissioning of the Tribal Research Institute. “While development efforts are vital, they cannot replace justice,” Omar asserted.
He said that while there are challenges in legal literacy, representation, and redressal among tribal populations due to linguistic, cultural, and geographic barriers. “The Legal Services Authority has operationalised 255 legal aid clinics, supported by 527 lawyers and 561 paralegal volunteers, including in tribal villages and correctional institutions,” he said.
“We must do more,” Omar said. “Training paralegals within tribal communities will ensure legal support is culturally appropriate and in familiar dialects. We also need to expand mobile legal aid vans, promote tele-law platforms, and facilitate virtual hearings to reach remote hamlets across Poonch, Kishtwar, Rajouri, and Karnah.”
The CM called for maintaining a delicate balance between national security and tribal rights. “Many tribal areas are in border regions with heightened security. Law enforcement must avoid disenfranchisement. Transparent mechanisms for complaints, court access, and grievance redressal are essential,” he said.
He advocated for the institutionalisation of alternative dispute resolution methods such as Lok Adalat, mediation centres, and village-level panchayats, which can provide swift, culturally sensitive justice, especially on issues like land rights and service entitlements. “Capacity building for judicial officers, legal aid lawyers, and field staff in tribal customs, military jurisprudence, and constitutional ethics is crucial,” he added.
Omar announced that the government has approved the establishment of a dedicated law university with an initial allocation of Rs 50 crore. “Preparatory work is underway. This university will focus on legal research, education, and policy innovation, particularly in tribal rights, constitutional law, military justice, and environmental governance. It aims to build an inclusive legal ecosystem for future generations,” he said.
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, the Chief Minister remarked, “A nation’s greatness is measured by how it treats its weakest members.” He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to uphold this principle by supporting legal institutions and ensuring justice reaches all, especially the marginalised.
“We must meet this challenge with humility, clarity, and resolve. The government of J&K remains unwavering in its support to legal services authorities and their partners, and is committed to transforming constitutional promises into everyday realities,” Omar added.
