True to living upto proverbial lines that 'justice must not sink....', a judge in the Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district reached the Court complex in a boat as it was completely submerged on Wednesday following heavy floods in South Kashmir.
Despite the floods, Principal District Judge Tahir Khursheed Raina reached the court premises by boat to assess the situation and ensure that judicial work, particularly urgent matters, did not come to a standstill.The unprecedented flooding brought routine judicial functioning to a halt, with courtrooms, offices and record rooms inundated. However, Judge Raina braved the waters, personally visiting the submerged premises to take stock of the safety of judicial records.
He passed crucial directions to the police authorities concerning remand cases and bail applications. Judge Raina said that access to justice could not be denied even during a natural disaster, he said as to why chose to travel amid difficult conditions. “The judiciary has to rise to the occasion. Floods may have submerged the court, but justice must not sink." Chief Judicial Magistrate Feroz Ahmed Khan also accompanied Judge Raina.
Court officials confirmed that while routine proceedings have been suspended due to the deluge, extraordinary efforts are underway to safeguard records and address urgent matters."The unusual sight of the Principal District Judge navigating the flood-hit court complex in a boat has become symbolic of the judiciary’s resolve to uphold justice amidst adversity," said a lawyer.
Meanwhile, amid relentless rainfall and rising water levels, Anantnag Police carried out a major rescue operation on Wednesday, evacuating thousands of residents stranded in different parts of the town.Officials said the operation was led by SHO Anantnag Majid Khan, DSP Headquarters, and all DOs of main Anantnag, under the close supervision of DIG South Kashmir and SSP Anantnag.
Families trapped in their homes due to floodwaters were relocated to safer places, including government school buildings that have been converted into temporary shelters.Floodwaters entered houses and shops in several localities such as Ganjiwara, Achabal Adda, Mehandi Kadal, Danger Pora, Kralyar, Bangi Dar, and adjoining areas, adding to the chaos.The Jammu Kashmir government, headed by Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, said all departments have been placed on high alert and that the situation is being closely monitored.
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