Floods submerged the Anantnag District Court in South Kashmir, halting regular hearings. Judge Tahir Khursheed Raina reached the premises by boat, stressing that “access to justice must continue.”
Anantnag: On August 27, the recent floods in South Kashmir have completely submerged the District Court Complex in Anantnag, bringing regular court proceedings to a halt. Continuous rainfall and rising floodwaters have inundated courtrooms, record rooms, and the entire premises, making the building inaccessible for normal functioning.
Despite these extreme conditions, Principal District Judge Tahir Khursheed Raina showed remarkable commitment by reaching the court premises on Wednesday through a boat.
He was accompanied by Chief Judicial Magistrate Feroz Ahmed Khan. Both judicial officers personally inspected the flooded court complex to assess the condition of the premises and safeguard judicial records.
Judge Raina, while reviewing the situation, directed the police authorities to ensure that urgent legal matters are not delayed. He specifically instructed them to take immediate action on remand cases and bail matters.
Emphasising the importance of justice delivery even in natural calamities, Judge Raina stated,
“Even during natural disasters, access to justice must continue.”
Court staff confirmed that all regular hearings and proceedings remain suspended due to the flooding. However, measures are being taken to protect important case records and to ensure that urgent judicial work can still be managed effectively.
The district administration is closely monitoring the flood situation and has assured that further decisions regarding temporary court arrangements will be taken depending on weather conditions and water levels.
Meanwhile, the floods have affected a vast population across Jammu and Kashmir. More than 5,000 people have been evacuated from riverbanks and low-lying flood-hit areas.
Rescue teams and government agencies continue to work tirelessly to help stranded residents. In Jammu division, many areas remain under water due to flash floods triggered by heavy rains, although the intensity of rainfall has slightly reduced.
Essential services such as water supply, electricity, and internet connectivity have been severely disrupted. Efforts are ongoing to restore these facilities, but schools and colleges have been ordered to remain shut until conditions improve.
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