JAMMU: In a significant step towards ensuring child-friendly and victim-sensitive justice delivery, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, Arun Palli, today inaugurated Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centre at District Court Complex, Jammu.

Present on the occasion were Justice Sindhu Sharma, Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Justice Rahul Bharti, Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, Justice Rajesh Sekhri, Justice Mohd. Yousuf Wani, Justice Shahzad Azeem Judges of High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Yash Paul Bourney Member, J&K Special Tribunal, Jammu, Registrar General Mohinder Kumar Sharma of High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, Ravinder Nath Watal Principal District and Sessions Judge Jammu, Registrar Vigilance Rajiv Gupta, Officers of the registry,  Nirmal Kishore Kotwal Bar President along with Bar members, Judicial officers of District Court Complex, Jammu, Monika Kohli Additional Advocate General and Anil Sharma, Chief LADC Jammu.

The facility aims to prevent the secondary victimization and ensure fair, sensitive recording of evidence. This marks a significant step towards victim-centric justice delivery in the Union Territory. The Vulnerable Witness Deposition Centre has been established to provide a safe, non-intimidating and conducive environment for vulnerable witnesses, including children, victims of sexual offences and persons with disabilities, to depose before the court.

The center is equipped with modern facilities including separate waiting areas, live-link video conferencing, one-way mirrors, and child-friendly infrastructure to prevent secondary victimization during trial proceedings, in line with Supreme Court guidelines. 

Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Justice emphasized that establishment of VWDC reflects the judiciary’s commitment towards upholding the rights and dignity of vulnerable witnesses and ensuring fair trial without fear or trauma.

In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here