Srinagar, May 19, 2019 (PPI-OT): In occupied Kashmir, former High Court Judge Justice (Retd) Hasnain Masoodi has demanded the Indian authorities to repeal SROs [Statutory Rules and Orders] 149 and 313, saying fundamental right of access to justice is being denied to people in every nook and corner of the Kashmir Valley.
As per SRO-149 of 2019 and SRO-313 of 2019, the cases of the people detained under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and Prevention of Terrorist Act have been ordered to be dealt with exclusively by a special court at Srinagar. “As a consequence, those detained in every nook and corner of the Kashmir Valley is perforce made to come to Srinagar (special court). This means that access to justice which is a fundamental right is denied to them,” Justice (Retd) Masoodi told reporters in Srinagar.
“Youth from far-flung areas like Chatergul, Larnoo or other places are made to visit the special court at Srinagar. I demand that both SRO 149 and SRO 313 of 2019 be rescinded and sessions judge in every district shall be given the power to try such cases so that youth who have been implicated or facing such charges get justice within their own district and getting justice is not delayed rather does not become impossible as is the case presently,” he said.
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