76th Constitution Day celebrated across District Courts of Kashmir Division

SRINAGAR: In an inspiring celebration of democratic principles and constitutional values, the 76^th Constitution Day also known as Samvidhan Divas was celebrated today across all District Courts of the division, marked by reading of the Preamble of Indian Constitution by Principal District and Sessions Judges to reaffirm commitment to uphold its ideology.

At Srinagar: The District Judiciary Srinagar and District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Srinagar observed Constitution Day with great fervor and enthusiasm today at the District Court Complex, Srinagar.

 The event was organized under the directions of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh and under the aegis of the J&K Legal Services Authority.

The celebration was held under the visionary leadership of Justice Arun Palli, Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh & Patron-in-Chief, J&K Legal Services Authority, and Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Executive Chairman, J&K Legal Services Authority. The programme was conducted under the supervision of Haq Nawaz Zargar, Principal District & Sessions Judge (Chairman, DLSA Srinagar), and Shazia Tabassum, Member Secretary, J&K Legal Services Authority.

The celebration commenced with a collective reading of the Preamble to the Constitution, led by Principal District & Sessions Judge Srinagar. The event witnessed the presence of all Judicial Officers of the District Judiciary Srinagar, officers of the Prosecution Department, Administrative and Court Staff, DLSA Staff, Legal Aid Defence Counsels, Panel Lawyers, Para Legal Volunteers, and Members/Advocates of the Bar Association, joined the reading, symbolizing a unified commitment to the constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

The celebration aimed at promoting constitutional awareness, encouraging citizens to understand their fundamental rights and duties, and strengthening the resolve of the judiciary and legal services institutions to uphold the rule of law.

The District Judiciary Srinagar and DLSA Srinagar reiterated their commitment to continuing initiatives that foster legal literacy and empower the public.

Additionally, at the Court of the Additional Mobile Magistrate, Panthachowk, the Preamble was read by Mainaaz Qadir, Additional Special Mobile Magistrate, along with staff members, ensuring wider participation across the district. 

At Budgam: In an inspiring tribute to the foundational values enshrined in the Constitution of India, the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Budgam, under the aegis of J&K Legal Services Authority organized a profoundly impactful program at the Court room of District Court Complex, Budgam.

The event was held in commemoration of Constitution Day, which witnessed the presence of O.P. Bhagat, Chairman DLSA (PD&SJ), Budgam, who graced the occasion as the Chief Guest.

The event resonated with the participation of Judicial Officers of District Budgam, Members of the Bar, Administrative and Ministerial Staff of District Judiciary Budgam, Members of the LADC System, Panel Lawyers, Staff members, and Para Legal Volunteers (Aadhikar Mitra’s) of DLSA, Budgam.

The gathering delved into the pivotal importance of the Constitution and its guiding principles encapsulated in its preamble. Addressing the audience, the PD&SJ underscored the profound significance of the Constitution as the bedrock of our democratic ethos, emphasizing its role in upholding justice, equality, and fundamental rights.

Speaking about the event, O.P Bhagat, remarked, "Our celebration today is not merely ceremonial; it is a reaffirmation of our collective dedication to uphold the principles and values that define our nation. The joint reading of the Preamble serves as a reminder of the solemn pledge we take towards justice, equality, and the rule of law."

A beautiful moment unfolded as participants engaged in a joint reading of the Preamble, led by the PD&SJ symbolizing a heartfelt tribute to the essence and spirit of the Constitution. This collective recitation served as a powerful reminder of our shared commitment to the ideals and aspirations embedded in our nation's foundational document.

A similar kind of function also held at Taluka Levels and Juvenile Justice Board of district Budgam, Wherein the Judicial Officers lead the prayer of Preamble reading.

At Kulgam:    Under the Chairmanship of Aijaz Ahmed Khan, Principal District & Sessions Judge (PD&SJ) (Chairman District Legal Services Authority) Kulgam, District Legal Services Authority Kulgam organized a solemn event to honor and reaffirm the values enshrined in the Constitution of India.

The event commenced with the collective reading of the Preamble, which was led by the Principal District and Sessions Judge and included participation of Additional District and Sessions Judge Kulgam, Chief Judicial Magistrate Kulgam, Additional Special Mobile Magistrate Kulgam, President Bar Association Kulgam, Officers from Prosecution, staff members of Judiciary and DLSA, LADCs, Panel Lawyers and Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs).

Same type of programmes were also organised by Tehsil Legal Services Committee D. H. Pora and Qazigund also held Preamble reading session and marked significance of the Day.

At Baramulla: The District Judiciary and District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Baramulla today celebrated Constitution Day under the guidance of Chairman DLSA Baramulla (Principal District & Sessions Judge), Jawad Ahmad.

The main event, held at the District Court Complex Baramulla, witnessed the participation of Judicial Officers posted at the headquarters, Prosecuting Officers, Legal Aid Defence Counsels (LADCs), members of the Bar Association Baramulla including the Bar President, Panel Lawyers, Court staff, Para Legal Volunteers (PLVs), and other participants.

The programme began with the National Anthem, followed by a collective reading of the Preamble of the Constitution of India, led by the Principal District & Sessions Judge. Participants pledged to uphold and promote the constitutional values of justice, liberty, equality, and fraternity.

Constitution Day was also observed across all Tehsil Legal Services Committees (TLSCs) in Sopore, Pattan, Tangmarg, Uri, and Dangiwacha.

These programmes included Preamble reading sessions and awareness activities with the participation of students, bar members, PLVs, and members of the community.

During the awareness events, speakers highlighted the significance of the Indian Constitution and its role in ensuring rights, duties, and democratic values. Participants were encouraged to strengthen civic responsibility and constitutional awareness in their respective areas.

At Pulwama: In compliance to the directions of JK Legal Services Authority, District Legal Services Authority Pulwama under the Chairmanship of Malik Shabir Ahmad, Chairman District Legal Services Authority (Pr.District & Sessions Judge), Pulwama and under the supervision of Mudasar Farooq Secretary DLSA Pulwama today celebrated “Constitution Day” at District Court Complex Pulwama.

 The programme was attended by Judicial Officers of District Court Pulwama, Staff members of District Court Pulwama , DLSA, LADCs, Panel Lawyers, PLVs and the members of District Bar Association Pulwama. 

On this occasion the preamble was read over by Principal District & Sessions Judge Pulwama who gave a brief speech on this occasion and spoke about the importance of this day and highlighted the importance of the Indian Constitution.

 The day was also celebrated by TLSCs of District Pulwama in their respective courts.

At Bandipora: District Legal Services Authority (DLSA) Bandipora solemnly observed Constitution Day at the District Court Complex Bandipora, under the guidance of Mir Wajahat, Principal District & Sessions Judge Bandipora, In-Charge Chairman, DLSA Bandipora.

The observance reflected cohesive coordination within the district judicial administration. The efforts were guided by Sheikh Babar Hussain, Secretary DLSA Bandipora, with effective teamwork led by Iqbal Ahmad Aakhoon, Chief Judicial Magistrate Bandipora, and diligent on-ground execution by Amandeep, Munsiff Bandipora, ensuring disciplined conduct, meaningful public participation, and a well-orchestrated program.

A gesture of institutional harmony was extended by the Senior Superintendent of Police, Bandipora, through ceremonial support for hoisting the National Flag at sunrise. The Tricolour was raised with due decorum and, in keeping with ceremonial protocols, shall be respectfully lowered at sunset. This shared celebration signified the collective joy of the legal fraternity in honouring this national festival of constitutional values.

On the occasion, Principal District & Sessions Judge Bandipora, led the congregation in the reading of the Preamble. In his address, he emphasized that when the Preamble is recited, we first stand as citizens before we stand as authorities. He noted that the Constitution not only empowers institutions but also defines identity, assigns responsibility, and lends legitimacy to every judicial act.

He observed that a court earns dignity by giving respect, not by demanding it, and that justice is not merely the result of a judgment, it is the disciplined atmosphere that leads to it. Law may be a profession for some, he remarked, but for the litigant, the court is a turning point in life. Therefore, justice must be visible not only in the order but in the entire atmosphere of the court from procedure to tone, from transparency to conduct. 

Every citizen approaching a court, he said, brings trust along with a legal grievance, and preserving that trust is the judiciary’s foremost duty.

Iqbal Ahmad Aakhoon, CJM Bandipora, highlighted the enduring relevance of the Constitution and affirmed the judiciary’s solemn duty to protect its ideals.

The celebrations included reading of the Preamble, interactive awareness sessions, and outreach activities aimed at strengthening public understanding of constitutional values. These parallel events ensured that the message of justice, equality, and constitutional responsibility reached citizens across the district, reaffirming the judiciary’s commitment to inclusive legal awareness.

The event witnessed active participation from judicial officers, members of the Bar, litigants, DLSA staff, and court personnel. 

Awareness sessions on fundamental rights and duties were conducted to promote civic consciousness and responsible citizenship.

In continuation of today’s observance, a sequel interactive session was conducted later at the District Court Complex. The session featured reflections from members of the Bar and invited speakers, offering space for voices across age, experience, and professional resolve. The engagement aimed to broaden the dialogue on constitutional values through the insights of those who work daily at the heart of the justice system.

The observance concluded with a collective pledge to uphold constitutional principles and to strengthen access to justice for all.

 DLSA Bandipora reaffirmed its commitment to fostering legal awareness, deepening constitutional literacy, and nurturing a dignified judicial culture rooted in mutual respect and public trust.

Similar events were also held at TLSC Gurez and Sumbal, where Mehak Mehboob, Munsiff JMIC Gurez and Rahila Rashid, Munsiff JMIC Sumbal conducted special programs within their respective jurisdictions.