'If Required, Will Personally Visit Srinagar,' CJI Gogoi Seeks Report On Why People Can't Approach J-K HC

In one of the most stringent remarks that may have far-reaching impact in Jammu and Kashmir, Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi on Monday said that if required, he would go and personally check the ongoing situation there. The CJI made this observation while hearing the pleas of child rights activists Enakshi Ganguly and Shanta Sinha and Kashmir Times editor Anuradha Bhasin on Monday.

The Supreme Court has also asked for a report from Chief Justice of the Jammu & Kashmir High Court on claims that people are finding it difficult to approach the high court.

During the hearing on the plea filed by child right activists Enakshi Ganguly and Professor Shanta Sinha against the alleged illegal detention of children in Jammu and Kashmir since the revocation of special status, the petitioners pleaded that persons below 18 years of age who have been detained or arrested should be released.

The CJI said that the petitioners should approach the Jammu and Kashmir High Court. The lawyers for the child rights activists cannot access the High Court. When asked why, the lawyer told the bench that the Kashmir shutdown is preventing people from approaching the court.

Earlier, Vrinda Grover, the lawyer of Kashmir Times editor Anuradha Bhasin has also told court that internet and public transport is not working in Jammu and Kashmir and hence it is difficult for people to approach the J&K High Court.

CJI Gogoi said, “It’s very very serious if people are unable to approach the HC, if required, I may personally visit Srinagar.”

However, CJI Gogoi warned a lawyer representing one of the petitioners, "If J&K HC chief justice's report indicates contrary, then be ready for consequences."

The Supreme Court on Monday said that Jammu and Kashmir should make every effort to restore normalcy in the state that has been under lockdown for over 40 days. The court then went on to add that restoration will however be done on a "selective basis, keeping in mind national interests".

The Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi refused to pass any order on restoration in Jammu and Kashmir.