CM Omar Abdullah: True Measure of Justice Lies in How Legal System Uplifts the Marginalised
Srinagar, July 26: Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in a powerful address at the North Zone Regional Conference on “Reaffirming the Constitutional Vision of Justice for Defence Personnel and Tribals” held at the SKICC, emphasized that the true measure of India’s legal system is not in its theoretical ideals, but in its practical treatment of the country’s most marginalized and vulnerable communities.
He stated that justice must not only be proclaimed—it must be delivered with sensitivity, urgency, and equity. “The real test of our legal system,” he said, “lies in how it treats the weaker sections of society—those who have stood as silent sentinels of our sovereignty and those whose rights have long been marginalized or overlooked.”
Highlighting the significance of the two-day conference, Abdullah noted that its thematic focus on defence personnel and tribal communities brings attention to two crucial yet often underserved segments of the population. “Defence personnel defend the Constitution without hesitation, while tribal communities continue their struggle to be fully embraced by it,” he remarked, adding that it is the collective responsibility of the state and institutions to meet their legal needs with compassion and strength.
Marking the solemn occasion of Kargil Vijay Diwas, the Chief Minister paid heartfelt tributes to the valiant soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice in the 1999 conflict. “Many of those brave hearts hailed from our own soil in J&K. They served in the harshest terrains with quiet dignity and unmatched courage. We owe them not just gratitude but justice when they or their families face legal hurdles,” he stated.
Abdullah highlighted the legal and administrative challenges often faced by defence personnel, such as pension disputes, service-related claims, and civil grievances. These issues, compounded by geographic remoteness and the unique constraints of military life, often result in delayed or denied justice. He urged that such systemic barriers must be recognised as “functional disabilities” under Article 39A of the Constitution, which mandates equal access to justice for all.
Calling for urgent structural reforms, the Chief Minister proposed a robust coordination mechanism between legal services authorities, military legal departments, zila sainik boards, and regimental welfare offices. He advocated for the establishment of dedicated legal aid clinics in military cantonments and districts with a high concentration of ex-servicemen, and emphasised the need for compassionate and specialised legal support for families of soldiers—especially widows, elderly parents, and dependent children.
“Justice must be available and accessible. No soldier or their family should ever be left in the dark about the legal help they are entitled to,” he said, proposing the deployment of specially trained paralegal volunteers in high-density military zones and the use of technology—like mobile apps and virtual legal consultations—to democratize access to justice.
Turning attention to tribal communities, Abdullah acknowledged their rich cultural and ecological legacy, especially in the geographically difficult regions of Jammu and Kashmir. While development initiatives have been introduced, he stressed that infrastructure alone cannot be a substitute for justice. “We must empower these communities legally, by training paralegal volunteers from within their ranks—ensuring legal aid is offered in languages and idioms they understand, rooted in their cultural realities,” he said.
He noted the specific sensitivities surrounding tribal populations residing in border areas, often under heightened security supervision. “Security oversight must not evolve into legal disenfranchisement,” he warned, advocating for a balanced approach that protects both national interest and tribal rights.
In a major announcement, the Chief Minister informed the gathering that his government has approved the establishment of a dedicated Law University with an initial allocation of ₹50 crore. The university, currently in its preparatory phase, is envisioned as a centre of excellence in legal education, policy research, and judicial reforms, with particular emphasis on areas such as tribal justice, constitutional law, military legal systems, and environmental governance.
“This university will serve as a crucible for nurturing a new generation of legal thinkers who are inclusive, informed, and responsive to the complex realities of our diverse nation,” he said in conclusion.
Reaffirming his government’s unwavering commitment to transforming constitutional promises into everyday realities, Omar Abdullah called upon all stakeholders—judiciary, government institutions, legal professionals, and civil society—to work together to create a more just, inclusive, and empathetic legal system for all.
