In a significant development concerning judicial appointments, the Supreme Court Collegium has given its nod for the elevation of Shri Sanjay Parihar and Shri Shahzad Azeem as Judges of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
“The Supreme Court Collegium in its meeting held on 16th April, 2025 has approved the proposal for appointment of the following Judicial Officers, as Judges of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh:
(i) Shri Sanjay Parihar, and
(ii) Shri Shahzad Azeem.”
— Official Statement from the Supreme Court Collegium
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Shri Sanjay Parihar was born on December 19, 1968, in Horna Palmar, a town in Kishtwar district. His journey in the judiciary began on December 1, 1997, when he officially entered the judicial service.
Over the span of nearly three decades, he has held various important judicial positions. He served notably as the Principal District and Sessions Judge in Jammu. His experience also includes a key role as the Special Judge for Anti-Corruption (CBI Cases) in Jammu, where he handled several sensitive and high-profile matters.
One such case involved the rejection of bail for an individual accused under the Official Secrets Act, highlighting his strong stance on national security and rule of law.
Shri Parihar’s extensive service in the judicial system showcases his dedication to justice, integrity, and legal acumen—qualities that have played a critical role in upholding the law and ensuring fair proceedings in Jammu & Kashmir.
Shri Shahzad Azeem joined the judicial service on August 5, 2011. In a relatively shorter yet impactful career, he has displayed unwavering commitment to the judicial process and legal reform.
He previously served as the Director of the Jammu & Kashmir Judicial Academy, where he contributed to the training and development of upcoming judicial officers. His administrative leadership continued when he was appointed as the Registrar General of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.
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In these pivotal roles, Shri Azeem played an instrumental part in streamlining judicial administration and pushing for reforms to enhance the efficiency of court operations in the region. His managerial abilities and vision for a modern judicial system have been widely acknowledged and appreciated within legal circles.
This recent decision by the Supreme Court Collegium marks a crucial step in strengthening the judicial setup in the Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. The elevation of these experienced officers is expected to bring more efficiency, transparency, and accessibility to justice delivery in the region.
“Their respective tenures reflect unwavering dedication to judicial service and their elevation will add great value to the High Court bench.”
The recommendation comes in the wake of ongoing efforts to ensure that the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh is equipped with highly experienced and dedicated judges who understand the region’s unique legal and administrative challenges.