States » NorthPosted at: Sep 18 2026 6:59PM


Himachal Chief Justice Sandhawalia inaugurates new court in Kullu

Shimla, September 18 (UNI)The Himachal Pradesh High Court on Friday inaugurated the second Court of Additional District and Sessions Judge at Kullu, with Chief Justice G S Sandhawalia saying the new court was necessitated by the growing volume of litigation and rising cases, particularly under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, in the district.
The Chief Justice inaugurated the new court through virtual mode from Shimla in the presence of several judges of the High Court, including Justice Ajay Mohan Goel, Justice Sandeep Sharma, Justice Jyotsna Rewal Dua, Justice Sushil Kukreja, Justice Virender Singh, Justice Ranjan Sharma, Justice Bipin Chander Negi, Justice Rakesh Kainthla, Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj, Justice Romesh Verma and Justice Yogesh Jaswal.
Addressing the gathering, Justice Sandhawalia said Kullu, known as “Dev Bhumi”, occupied a unique place in Himachal Pradesh and attracted visitors from across the world because of its natural beauty, culture and traditions. However, he said, the increasing footfall had also had an impact on the judicial system, with an alarming rise in disputes and crimes, particularly NDPS cases, besides civil litigation.
He said around 3,800 cases were presently pending before the appellate courts at the Judicial Court Complex, Kullu. Pendency, he observed, was not merely a statistical figure, as every pending case represented a person awaiting resolution.
The Chief Justice said the existing judicial infrastructure was inadequate to meet the growing demands of the justice delivery system and ensure expeditious disposal of cases. This had necessitated the establishment of the second Court of Additional District and Sessions Judge at Kullu, he added.
Justice Sandhawalia said the inauguration of a court was not merely the opening of a building or creation of another office, as a court represented a much larger institution. Referring to the principle “Dharmo Rakshati Rakshitah”, he said protection of Dharma for the judiciary meant protection of the rule of law, deciding matters without fear or favour, affection or ill will, safeguarding individual rights and upholding the interests of society.
He said establishment of the new court was ultimately an investment in people's faith in the justice delivery system.
He expressed confidence that judicial officers, members of the Bar and other stakeholders would work together to ensure that law was applied fairly, every voice was heard with dignity and justice was delivered without unnecessary delay.
The Chief Justice congratulated Additional District Judge Amit Mandyal, who has been entrusted with presiding over the newly established court, and wished him a successful tenure.
He also appreciated District and Sessions Judge P C Rana for establishing the court's infrastructure at the ground level after its notification by the state government.
He placed on record his appreciation for the contribution of the state government, High Court Registry officials and staff, district administration and other stakeholders in setting up the court.
Justice Sandhawalia also congratulated Justice Rakesh Kainthla, the Administrative Judge for Kullu, on the establishment of the new court.
The inaugural function was attended by the Registrar General and other Registrars of the High Court, the District and Sessions Judge, Additional District and Sessions Judges and other judicial officers of Kullu district, besides members of the District Bar and other dignitaries.
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Tags: #Himachal Chief Justice Sandhawalia inaugurates new court in Kullu
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