‘Will visit Jammu and Kashmir High Court’: CJI on allegations of access denial

Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi on Monday said he will visit Jammu and Kashmir to see whether plaintiffs there have difficulties in accessing the courts.

“If required, I will go,” remarked the CJI when a submission was made before the court that there were difficulties in going to the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.

The Apex Court was hearing a petition by child rights activist Enakshi Ganguly and Shanta Sinha.

In this petition, detention of children in the state following the revocation of Article 370, and violations of their rights were cited. 

The CJI said that the petitioners should approach the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir.

“It is difficult to go to the High Court,” said senior advocate Huzefi Ahmadi.

CJI said, “Why is it difficult for people to approach the Jammu and Kashmir High Court? We want to know from the Chief Justice (High Court). It’s very serious if people are unable to approach the High Court. If required, I will visit the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.”

The Supreme Court has now sought a report from the High Court Chief Justice on allegations that people are finding it difficult to approach the High Court.

The Top Court asked the Centre to make all endeavours to restore normalcy in the Kashmir as soon as possible.