Will visit Srinagar to assess if shutdown marred access to law: CJI Gogoi tells petitioners

Taking note of the claims made by child rights activist Enakshi Ganguly, Professor Shanta Sinha and Editor of Kashmir Times, Anuradha Bhasin, the CJI said the matter was serious if the restrictions in the state are preventing the litigants from reaching the High Court.

Responding to Anuradha Bhasin's counsel Vrinda Grover on the shut down in Kashmir valley, Justice Bobde said the matter can be resolved by Jammu and Kashmir High Court. However, it was pointed out by Vrinda Grover that public transport and internet was not working in the state and approaching the J&K High Court is almost impossible.

Child rights activists Enakshi Ganguly and Professor Shanta Sinha pleaded in the court that the children below 18 years of age be released as they are either confined or arrested.

To this, the CJI asked them to approach the Jammu and Kashmir High Court.

The lawyer of the child rights activists told the bench that people cannot approach the High Court due to the shutdown in Kashmir owing to the restrictions imposed after the abrogation of article 370.

The CJI has sought a report from Jammu and Kashmir High Court that if these allegations are true.

Justice Gogoi also told the petitioners to be ready for the consequences if Jammu and Kashmir High Court's report revealed the contrary.

The Supreme Court asked the Centre to reinstate normalcy in the state as soon as possible.