The Jammu & Kashmir Legal Services Authority (J&K LSA), in collaboration with the School of Law, University of Kashmir, organized a significant awareness-cum-interaction programme at Gandhi Bhawan, University of Kashmir. The event, held today, was presided over by Justice Atul Sreedharan, Judge, High Court of J&K and Ladakh, and Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority.
This programme marked Justice Sreedharan’s first official engagement since being appointed Executive Chairman of J&K LSA, setting a dynamic tone for future initiatives aimed at improving legal literacy and access to justice across the region.
Upon his arrival, Justice Sreedharan was warmly welcomed by Professor Nilofar Khan, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kashmir, Professor Mohammad Hussain, Head and Dean of the School of Law, and other senior faculty members. He was accompanied by Amit Kumar Gupta, Member Secretary of J&K LSA, and Abdul Bari, Joint Registrar Protocol, High Court of J&K and Ladakh.
The event began with the playing of the University Tarana and the NALSA theme song, setting a dignified tone for the proceedings.
The event began with the playing of the University Tarana and the NALSA theme song, setting a dignified tone for the proceedings.
Addressing a large gathering of law students and faculty members, Justice Sreedharan shared his insights on the vital role of legal practitioners. He emphasized, “As judges, we are tasked with judging the case before us, not the individuals involved, although our judgments deeply affect people’s lives.” He encouraged students to broaden their horizons by reading beyond legal texts, citing how books on diverse subjects, including corporate affairs, could benefit them even in criminal law practice.
Justice Sreedharan also highlighted the importance of biographies of legal stalwarts, stating that they offer valuable lessons for aspiring lawyers. He stressed that hard work, commitment to clients, and fearlessness were essential traits for success in the legal field, adding, “The heart of a lawyer should be like a tiger—bold and fearless in pursuing a client’s case while being fair to the court.”
Professor Nilofar Khan expressed deep gratitude to Justice Sreedharan for his mentorship, highlighting the global achievements of the university’s law alumni. She urged students to stay prepared for challenges ahead, particularly those posed by technology’s growing influence on the legal system.
Professor Mohammad Hussain, Head and Dean of the School of Law, underscored the importance of discipline and punctuality in shaping successful legal careers. He also emphasized the ongoing collaboration between the University of Kashmir and J&K LSA in promoting legal education.
The programme featured an interactive session where students engaged directly with Justice Sreedharan, posing queries that were answered to their satisfaction. A skit on free legal aid, presented by the Drama and Theatre Society of the Law School, creatively illustrated the impact of legal assistance on marginalized communities.
The event concluded with a formal vote of thanks by Dr. Mir Junaid Alam, Senior Assistant Professor, School of Law, University of Kashmir. A plantation drive was also conducted, with dignitaries planting trees in the School of Law’s front lawns, symbolizing the institution’s commitment to environmental sustainability.
The event served as a hallmark of the ongoing partnership between the University of Kashmir and J&K LSA in promoting legal awareness and ensuring access to justice across the region. Those in attendance included officials from J&K LSA, law faculty members, and students from the University of Kashmir.