Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, May 20 

The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has ordered virtual hearings from May 21 and announced a series of administrative measures aimed at conserving fuel amid concerns over rising crude oil prices and energy security.

According to a circular issued by Registrar General M K Sharma, virtual hearings and online appearances by advocates will be encouraged in the High Court, subject to prescribed decorum and protocols for video-conferencing proceedings.

The measures were introduced in view of a nationwide call for “Economic Self-Defence”, the circular said.

The High Court also directed that during the court vacation beginning June 8, 2026, nominated vacation benches would hear matters through virtual mode.

However, advocates unable to join proceedings online due to unavoidable reasons would be permitted to appear physically wherever the court is functioning in person, it added.

The circular further stated that no physical administrative inspections or district visits would be conducted until further orders, with all such meetings to be held virtually.

In another measure, the Leave Travel Concession (LTC) facility for judicial officers and High Court staff has been suspended until further orders, except in cases where it had already been sanctioned.

The circular clarified that the applicable LTC block period would be extended by one month for every month during which the facility remained suspended.

The Jammu and Kashmir Judicial Academy has also been directed not to conduct physical training programmes, with all workshops, orientations and academic activities to be held online.

Registry officials have additionally been advised to pool official transport facilities wherever feasible to reduce fuel consumption and ensure optimal use of government resources.