Full Court Reference held to bid farewell to Justice Javed Iqbal Wani

SRINAGAR: A Full Court Reference was held in the Court Room of the Chief Justice at the Srinagar Wing of High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh to bid farewell to Justice Javed Iqbal Wani, Judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, on demitting office upon attaining the age of superannuation. The Full Court Reference was convened in accordance with the long-standing conventions and institutional traditions of the High Court.

The Reference was attended by Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Sanjeev Kumar, Justice Sindhu Sharma, Justice Rajnesh Oswal, Justice Sanjay Dhar, Justice Rahul Bharti, Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, Justice Rajesh Sekhri, Justice Mohd. Yousuf Wani, Justice Sanjay Parihar, and Justice Shahzad Azeem along with the spouses of the Judges of the High Court.

The proceedings were also attended by former Chief Justices and former Judges of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh; senior officers of the civil administration and police, including the Secretary Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs; Senior Additional Advocate General; Deputy Solicitors General of India at Jammu and Srinagar; the President, Kashmir Advocates Association, Srinagar; Senior Advocates; Principal District and Sessions Judge, Srinagar; Judicial Officers; officers of the Registry; and family members of Justice Javed Iqbal Wani. Besides, officers and officials and Advocates of the High Court from Jammu Wing joined the proceedings through virtual mode.

The farewell address was delivered by Mohsin Qadri, Senior Additional Advocate General, who lauded the dedication, judicial acumen and steadfast commitment of Justice Wani to uphold the rule of law. He observed that the tenure of Justice Wani as a Judge of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh was marked by judicial prudence, fairness and a deep sense of justice, with particular emphasis on ensuring access to justice for the poor and the marginalized. She described Justice Wani as a gentleman par excellence and highlighted his positive approach, institutional contributions and respectful conduct towards members of the Bar.

President, Kashmir Advocates Association, Srinagar, Advocate Waseem Gull in his farewell address, commended the distinguished judicial service rendered by Justice Javed Iqbal Wani and highlighted his unwavering commitment to fairness, justice and constitutional values.

The Chief Justice, in his address, highlighted Justice Wani’s academic excellence, professional integrity and balanced judicial temperament, noting his dedication both at the Bar and on the Bench. His tenure was marked by discipline and clarity of thought earning him respect across the legal fraternity. The Court also acknowledged the invaluable support of his family throughout his judicial journey and extended its heartfelt appreciation and best wishes for his health, happiness and fulfillment in the years ahead.

Justice Javed Iqbal Wani, in his response, expressed profound gratitude to the Chief Justice, brother and sister Judges, members of the Bar, Judicial Officers, officers of the Registry and Court staff for their cooperation and support throughout his tenure. He emphasized that effective dispensation of justice is possible only through harmonious cooperation between the Bench and the Bar. He also appreciated the legal acumen, professional competence and commitment of the advocates of the Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh and placed on record his appreciation for the dedication and assistance of his personal staff.

The proceedings of the Full Court Reference were conducted by M. K. Sharma, Registrar General, High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Upon conclusion of the proceedings, Justice Javed Iqbal Wani was accorded a Guard of Honor by the security personnel as a mark of respect and recognition of his distinguished and meritorious judicial service.