In a notable move to bolster judicial capacity in the region, the President of India has appointed Shri Sanjay Parihar and Shri Shahzad Azeem as Judges of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court.
In response to the tragic April 22 terrorist attack in Pahalgam, bar associations in Jammu and Kashmir condemned the violence, expressing solidarity with victims’ families. They called for a Jammu Bandh on April 23, urged civil society to protest against terrorism, and emphasized unity while demanding justice and protective measures for civilians.
The Supreme Court of India has responded to Jitendra Narayan Tyagi’s plea to consolidate multiple criminal cases against him for inflammatory speeches made during the 2021 Haridwar Dharam Sansad. Tyagi cites threats to his life and requests the transfer of a Srinagar case to Haridwar, while the court has issued notices for responses from relevant governments.
The Jammu and Kashmir High Court issued stay the deportation of a Kashmiri man who lost his passport in Pakistan in 1986. He had traveled there to visit his sister and brother-in-law, who had migrated in 1965. During his stay, he reportedly lost his passport, leaving him stranded. The court’s decision provides temporary relief as his case is reviewed.
The Supreme Court Collegium, led by Chief Justice DY Chandrachud, updated its appointments for Chief Justices of four High Courts due to prior delays from the Central Government. New recommendations now include Justice Indra Prasanna Mukerji for Meghalaya, Justice Suresh Kumar Kait for Madhya Pradesh, Justice GS Sandhawalia for Himachal Pradesh, and Justice Tashi Rabstan for Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.
The High Court granted pre-arrest bail to Nitin Bode, an insurance agent accused of promoting armed struggle against the Modi government. Bode allegedly circulated an article on WhatsApp with the slogan “Jai Bharat, Jai Samvidhan, Jai Naxalvad.” Despite legal scrutiny, the court found no intention to disrupt peace and ordered Bode to surrender his phone and report to the police.
The Delhi High Court upheld the government’s decision to block the messaging platform Briar in Jammu & Kashmir, citing national security interests. The court acknowledged that in matters of national security, principles of natural justice can be bypassed. Briar’s open-source nature and potential use by terrorists were key considerations in the ruling.
The Manipur Tribal Forum raised concerns about violence against the Kuki-Zo tribal community. They have filed a plea with the Supreme Court, citing threats and lack of action from law enforcement. The Forum seeks urgent relief and the arrest of perpetrators. The Supreme Court addressing several petitions related to violence in Manipur.
The Supreme Court addressed internet bans in Jammu & Kashmir, emphasizing transparency in review orders. The bench highlighted the need to publish these orders while balancing national security and civil liberties. The Additional Solicitor General was given two weeks to respond. This case sets a precedent for handling and disclosing review orders related to internet bans.
