Justice Vinod Chatterji Koul, a distinguished judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, has a rich and diverse career spanning both the bar and the bench. His journey from a practicing advocate to a permanent judge is a testament to his dedication, legal acumen, and commitment to justice.
Justice Koul was born in Village Wanpoo, formerly in District Anantnag and presently in District Kulgam. He received his early schooling from Govt. School Srandoo and Govt. School Kanipora, followed by further schooling from Govt. Hr. Secondary School, Anantnag. He completed his B.Sc from Govt. Degree College, Anantnag, and his LL.B from Kashmir University, Srinagar, in 1989.
In January 1990, Justice Koul migrated to Jammu with his family due to the turmoil in Kashmir. He was enrolled as an Advocate with the J&K Bar Council in 1990 and began practicing at the High Court of J&K with Sr. Advocate Sh. Jaswant Singh Kotwal.
Justice Koul cleared the KCS (Judicial) Examination in 1993, securing the first position. He joined as a Munsiff in 1995, with his first posting as District Mobile Magistrate (Traffic), Udhampur. In 1997, he was promoted as Sub Judge and posted as Sub Judge (Electricity Magistrate), Batote. He also served as the first Railway Magistrate, Jammu, and held positions as Sub Judge in Bhaderwah and Ramban, Municipal Magistrate in Jammu, and Chief Judicial Magistrate in Udhampur.
Justice Koul served as Deputy Registrar at the High Court of J&K before being promoted as District and Sessions Judge in 2007. As a District and Sessions Judge, he served in various courts, including Addl. District & Sessions Judge in Kathua, 2nd Addl. District & Sessions Judge in Jammu, Addl. District & Sessions Judge in Udhampur, Principal District & Sessions Judge in Anantnag and Kathua, and Special Judge Anti-Corruption (CBI Cases) in Jammu.
He also served as Registrar Vigilance at the High Court of J&K and as Principal District & Sessions Judge in Jammu. Prior to his elevation, he was the Chairman of the Sales Tax Appellate Tribunal, J&K.
Justice Koul was elevated as a Permanent Judge of the Common High Court for the Union Territory of J&K and Union Territory of Ladakh on April 3rd, 2020, and took the oath of office on April 7th, 2020. His extensive experience and diverse roles within the judiciary highlight his commitment to serving the people and upholding the principles of justice.
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