Ladakh LG Vinai Kumar Saxena Gets Additional Charge of Jammu and Kashmir

Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena (left) and Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha. Saxena has been given additional charge of Jammu and Kashmir during Sinha’s absence on leave-Photo – Arrangements .

Saxena to discharge J&K LG’s functions during Manoj Sinha’s leave; to administer oath to new Chief Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati in Srinagar

Key Highlights

• President Droupadi Murmu gives Ladakh LG Vinai Kumar Saxena additional charge of Jammu and Kashmir.
• The arrangement applies during J&K LG Manoj Sinha’s absence on leave.
• Saxena will administer the oath to Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati as Chief Justice of the J&K and Ladakh High Court on September 9.
• The swearing-in is scheduled for 11 am at the Convention Centre in Srinagar.
• Justice Bhati succeeds Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar.
• The Supreme Court Collegium recommended Justice Bhati’s elevation as Chief Justice on August 31.

Jammu: Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena has been entrusted with the additional charge of Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir during the absence on leave of incumbent Manoj Sinha.

The temporary arrangement was made by President Droupadi Murmu, authorising Saxena to discharge the functions of the Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor in addition to his existing responsibilities in Ladakh.

According to the official communication, the arrangement will remain in force during Sinha’s absence on leave. Sinha, who has served as Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir since August 7, 2020, is currently in the United States on an official visit.

Saxena to Administer Chief Justice’s Oath

The additional responsibility assumes significance as Saxena is also set to administer the oath of office to Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati as the new Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on Wednesday, September 9.

The swearing-in ceremony is scheduled for 11 am at the Convention Centre in Srinagar.

President Droupadi Murmu appointed Justice Bhati, a judge of the Rajasthan High Court, as Chief Justice of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh on September 5. His appointment takes effect from the date he assumes charge.

Justice Bhati succeeds Justice Sanjeev Kumar, who had been serving as Acting Chief Justice since June 2.

The ceremony is significant because the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir traditionally administers the oath of office to the Chief Justice of the common High Court. With Saxena holding additional charge of Jammu and Kashmir, the Ladakh Lieutenant Governor will perform the constitutional responsibility this time.

The Supreme Court Collegium had recommended Justice Bhati for appointment as Chief Justice on August 31. He was elevated as a judge of the Rajasthan High Court on November 16, 2016.