J&K High Court adopts virtual hearings, suspends LTC amid fuel conservation measures

Srinagar, May 20: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has issued a series of administrative directions, including encouraging virtual hearings, suspending Leave Travel Concession (LTC) facilities and shifting official activities online, in view of the nationwide call for “Economic Self-Defence” and concerns over rising crude oil prices and energy security.

According to a circular issued by the Office of the Registrar General at Srinagar on Tuesday, the measures will remain in force until further orders.

The circular stated that with effect from May 21, 2026, the High Court will encourage virtual hearings and virtual appearances by advocates, subject to the prescribed decorum and protocol for online proceedings.

It further stated that during the court vacation period commencing from June 8, 2026, the nominated Vacation Benches would hear matters through virtual mode. However, advocates unable to participate through video conferencing due to unavoidable reasons may appear physically whenever the courts function in physical mode.

The High Court also directed that no physical administrative inspection or visit to districts shall be conducted until further orders and that all administrative meetings will be held virtually.

In another major decision, the LTC facility for judicial officers and High Court staff, except for those already granted the benefit, has been suspended till further orders. The circular clarified that the LTC block period would be extended by one month for every month during which the facility remains unavailable.

The circular also stated that the Judicial Academy shall not conduct any physical training programmes. All training sessions, workshops, orientations and related academic activities will now be conducted through virtual mode only.

Additionally, officers of the Registry have been asked to pool transport facilities wherever feasible to minimise fuel consumption and ensure optimal utilisation of official resources.