The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has issued a series of precautionary directions to ensure the safety of judicial officers and court staff in border areas, amid rising tensions between India and Pakistan cross-border artillery fire along the Line of Control (LoC).

Taking note of the security situation in the vulnerable border areas of Karnah, Kralpora, Gurez and Uri, Chief Justice Arun Palli has directed judicial officers and staff of courts in these areas to vacate their residences and move to a safe zone. A circular was issued to this effect on May 9.

The circular added that while officers in these border areas are to remain in secure zones, they should be available at all times to handle emergent work through virtual mode.

Steps are also to be taken to ensure that court documents and records are safe.

The Principal District and Sessions Judges at Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara have been directed to make necessary arrangements to virtually hear exceptionally urgent cases from these vulnerable border areas, that is, cases from courts in Karnah, Kralpora, Gurez and Uri.

Any court staff in distress or in any need or difficulty of any kind have been asked to seek assistance from the Principal District and Sessions Judges in Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara.

These directions are to remain in force till May 12, the circular added.

[Read Circular]