History

Baramulla, often called the “Gateway of Kashmir”, is one of the oldest and most historically significant towns of the Kashmir Valley. According to traditional accounts, the city was founded by Raja Bhimsina around 2306 BCE. Due to its strategic location on the historic route connecting Kashmir with Muzaffarabad and Rawalpindi, it served as the principal entrance to the Valley for centuries.

The judicial administration in Baramulla evolved under successive Hindu, Muslim, Sikh, Dogra, and modern Indian administrations. During the Dogra period, formal civil and criminal courts were established throughout the princely State of Jammu and Kashmir, including Baramulla, to administer justice under state laws

After Independence and the reorganization of judicial institutions in Jammu and Kashmir, Baramulla developed into one of the major judicial districts of the Kashmir Division. The district judiciary today functions under the supervision of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh.

The principal judicial institution in the district is the District Court Complex at Baramulla, headed by the Principal District and Sessions Judge. The district judiciary exercises jurisdiction over civil, criminal, family, motor accident claims, and other statutory matters through various courts functioning at Baramulla and subordinate court complexes located at Sopore, Pattan, Uri, Tangmarg, Boniyar, Dangiwacha, and Chandoosa.

In recent years, judicial infrastructure in Baramulla has expanded considerably. New facilities have been established for advocates and litigants, and a dedicated NDPS & UAPA Courts were inaugurated in 2024 & 2025 to handle cases arising under narcotic laws.The judiciary in Baramulla has actively promoted dispute resolution through Lok Adalats organized by the District Legal Services Authority. These forums have facilitated settlement of thousands of disputes, reducing litigation and improving access to justice for citizens across the district.

Present Judicial Structure
The judicial hierarchy in District Baramulla presently includes:
• Principal District & Sessions Court, Baramulla
• Additional District & Sessions Courts
• Special Courts ( NDPS & UAPA Courts)
• Special Court (Anticorruption) for District Baramulla, Kupwara & Bandipora
• Subordinate Civil Courts
• Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT)
• Taluka Courts at Sopore, Pattan, Uri, Tangmarg, Boniyar, Dangiwacha, and Chandoosa