Cabinet approves Ladakh High Court bench

On August 20, 2026, the India — Union Council of Ministers, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the establishment of a bench of the India — High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh in the Union Territory of India — Ladakh. The decision was announced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah, who stated that the new bench would significantly enhance access to justice for residents of remote areas by reducing travel time and logistical difficulties. India — Ladakh, which became a separate Union Territory in 2019, currently relies on the common High Court with principal seats in Jammu and Srinagar. The move is part of broader efforts to strengthen public institutions in India — Ladakh and follows ongoing discussions between local stakeholders and the central government over constitutional safeguards and development. India — Ladakh Lieutenant Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena welcomed the decision, while civil society groups Leh Apex Body and India — Kargil Democratic Alliance, which have been agitating for various demands, recently submitted a memorandum to Chief Secretary Ashish Kundra ahead of further talks with the India — Ministry of External Affairs.