Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district court complex 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.

Speaking to Bar & Bench, Judge Raina said that access to justice could not be denied even during a natural disaster.

“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.