The judicial inquiry into the violent clashes that occurred in Leh on September 24, 2025, is set to begin on Saturday, October 25. The Ladakh UT administration has directed wide publicity of the inquiry proceedings and has asked interested and aggrieved persons to record their testimony before the members of the judicial committee.
The inquiry will be held at the Alternate Dispute Redressal Centre, Melongthang, in Leh from October 25 to October 28. The Union Home Ministry announced the judicial probe on October 17 and appointed retired Supreme Court Justice Dr. B.S. Chauhan to head the inquiry. Justice Chauhan will be assisted by Mohan Singh Parihar, a retired District & Sessions Judge, as Judicial Secretary, and Tushar Anand, an IAS officer, as Administrative Secretary.
The UT administration has issued orders to ensure the smooth functioning of the inquiry proceedings. The law and justice department has instructed the Directorate of Information and Public Relations to publicize the inquiry proceedings widely, inviting interested parties to present their testimony. The Power Development Department in Leh has been directed to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply during the proceedings, and the Leh SSP is tasked with monitoring security measures and providing appropriate security at the location. The Leh Chief Medical Officer has been directed to depute a medical team to remain present with essential medical supplies during the proceedings.
The September 24 incident in Leh saw violent clashes between security forces and protesters who were demanding statehood and Sixth Schedule status for the Union Territory. The clashes resulted in the deaths of four civilians, including a Kargil war veteran, and left around 90 people injured. The incident led to heightened tensions in the region, followed by the arrest of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk on September 26, and the imposition of curfews and internet shutdowns. While the Ladakh administration claims that normalcy has been restored, the civilian deaths led to the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) withdrawing from talks with the Centre. A judicial inquiry was among their key demands to resume the dialogue.
The Centre's announcement of a judicial commission led by Justice B.S. Chauhan addressed a key demand of the protesting Ladakh groups. The commission will investigate the circumstances that led to the law and order situation, the subsequent police action, and the resultant deaths. An FIR (No. 144/2025) has already been registered at Leh Police Station under several provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.
The findings of the inquiry could shed light on underlying grievances in Ladakh, where protests have highlighted issues like employment reservations, land rights, and administrative reforms.
