Leh, October 27, 2025 — The judicial commission investigating the violent incidents in Leh on September 24, which left four people dead and many others injured, will allow the public 30 days to submit evidence and information once the official notification is issued, a senior member of the commission said on Monday. The inquiry, headed by former Supreme Court Judge B. S. Chauhan, aims to examine the circumstances surrounding the clashes, the subsequent police action, and the resulting casualties.

Justice Chauhan informed reporters that the notification outlining the terms of reference of the inquiry commission will be published shortly. “We will meet anyone who wants to come forward with evidence and information. We will be publishing a notice to allow people to share any evidence or information within 30 days. After that, we will sit from December 10 onwards to examine the collected material and also meet the public,” he said.

Background and Mandate of the Commission

The decision to set up the judicial inquiry came after persistent demands from local groups in Ladakh protesting the incident. On October 17, the Centre addressed one of their key demands by announcing the formation of the inquiry commission.

According to a notification issued by the Union Home Ministry, the judicial probe is tasked with investigating:

• The circumstances that led to the law and order breakdown in Leh.
• The police response during the violent clashes.
• The causal factors and accountability associated with the deaths of four people and injuries to several others.

The inquiry panel comprises three members, with retired District and Sessions Judge Mohan Singh Parihar serving as the judicial secretary, while IAS officer Tushar Anand has been appointed as the administrative secretary.

Public Participation in the Inquiry

Justice Chauhan emphasized that the inquiry is designed to be a public process, welcoming submissions and testimonies from anyone with information or evidence related to the incident. He stressed that after the notification is published, citizens will have 30 days to submit their material, after which the commission will review the collected evidence and conduct hearings starting December 10.

“It is a public inquiry which is open to all. In accordance with formality and procedure, a public notice will be published highlighting the terms of reference and what type of information is required to be submitted. Anyone who wants to share information should come forward after the publication of the notice,” Justice Chauhan said. He added that his team will remain available to record statements or accept relevant evidence from the public.

Administrative Arrangements

The inquiry will be held at the Alternate Dispute Redressal Centre at Melongthang in Leh, as per an order issued by the Law and Justice Department on October 24. The panel will be available to record testimonies and gather evidence from interested and aggrieved persons from October 25 to 28, according to the order.

Chering Dorjay, co-chairman of the Leh Apex Body, confirmed that he met with Justice Chauhan to discuss public participation. Dorjay stated that the commission intends to welcome all submissions with transparency and open communication. “Once the notification is published, the public will be given sufficient time to submit any information or record their statements. They will welcome all with open hearts,” he said.

Handling of Evidence

While the commission has expressed willingness to accept evidence after the notification period, it has declined to accept unsolicited submissions prior to the official notice. Dorjay noted that a pen-drive containing some video evidence related to the violence had been presented to the commission, but it would be formally submitted within the stipulated timeline after the notification is issued.

Next Steps

Following the 30-day public submission period, the commission will examine the collected material starting December 10. The process is expected to include personal hearings with witnesses, detailed review of submitted evidence, and analysis of police reports and other official documents. The inquiry aims to produce a comprehensive report detailing the causes of the violence, the response of law enforcement, and recommendations to prevent such incidents in the future.

Justice Chauhan assured the public that the inquiry panel is committed to a thorough, impartial, and transparent investigation. “We are here to ensure that every individual who has information regarding the incident has the opportunity to be heard. Our focus is on facts and accountability,” he said.

Significance of the Inquiry

The Leh violence had sparked widespread concern in the region, prompting civil society groups and local authorities to demand a judicial investigation into the events. The establishment of this commission represents a key step toward restoring public trust and ensuring that all aspects of the September 24 incident are thoroughly examined.

By giving the public 30 days to submit evidence, the commission aims to include multiple perspectives and firsthand accounts, ensuring that the inquiry is not limited to official reports alone. Officials hope that this approach will lead to a fair and comprehensive understanding of the causes of the unrest and the resulting fatalities.

The notification detailing the terms of reference is expected to be issued in the coming days, marking the formal start of public participation in the inquiry. Community leaders and local residents are being urged to come forward with any evidence, statements, or relevant information to assist the commission in its work.

---