The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has conferred limited powers of Judicial Magistrates First Class upon Civil Judges (Junior Division) appointed recently by the Jammu and Kashmir Government.According to an order issued by Registrar General M K Sharma, the powers will take effect from the date the judges are positioned in their respective districts.
The order authorises the Civil Judges to exercise these powers for three specific purposes, subject to applicable statutory provisions and rules.
These include recording confessions and statements under Section 183 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023; supervising the drawing, packing and sealing of representative samples of seized narcotic drugs, psychotropic substances and controlled substances under Section 52A of the NDPS Act, 1985; and administering oaths and affirmations for affidavits under the Oaths Act, 1969.
The High Court clarified that Civil Judges (Junior Division) presently attached to the J&K Judicial Academy will exercise these powers from the date their positioning orders in courts are issued.
The judges were appointed vide Government Order No. 13833-JK(LD) of 2026, dated October 27, 2026.
The order has been circulated to the Principal District and Sessions Judges in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, among other concerned authorities, for information and necessary action.