Supreme Court Advocates Establishment of Local Debt Recovery Tribunal for Jammu and Kashmir
The Supreme Court recently advocated for the establishment of a dedicated Debts Recovery Tribunal (DRT) in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Presently, the Chandigarh DRT serves the region, and virtual hearings are available, but the Court emphasized that this should not be a substitute for a local tribunal.
During the proceedings, a Bench comprising Justices Abhay S. Oka and Augustine George Masih questioned Solicitor General Tushar Mehta about the rationale behind setting up DRT benches across different states if virtual hearings from Chandigarh could suffice. They pointed out that Jammu and Kashmir’s unique topography necessitates a local DRT bench.
The case at hand involves challenges to an April 12 ruling by the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court. The High Court had addressed appeals from individuals and businesses against the Jammu and Kashmir Bank’s debt recovery actions. These parties argued that traveling to Chandigarh to engage with the DRT hindered their access to justice, which is a fundamental right under Article 21 of the Constitution.
Solicitor General Mehta acknowledged the concerns and committed to addressing the issue within his professional capacity. The Supreme Court’s call for a regional DRT underscores the need for more accessible judicial mechanisms for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
(With inputs from agency)
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