Srinagar: A Full Court Reference was held in the courtroom of the Chief Justice at the Srinagar wing of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on Sunday to bid farewell to Justice Javed Iqbal Wani on his demitting office upon attaining the age of superannuation.
The reference was convened in accordance with the long-standing conventions and institutional traditions of the High Court.
The proceedings were attended by Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justices Sanjeev Kumar, Sindhu Sharma, Rajnesh Oswal, Sanjay Dhar, Rahul Bharti, Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, Wasim Sadiq Nargal, Rajesh Sekhri, Mohd Yousuf Wani, Sanjay Parihar and Shahzad Azeem, besides the spouses of the judges.
Former Chief Justices and former judges of the High Court, senior officers of the civil administration and police, the Secretary, Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs, Senior Additional Advocate General, Deputy Solicitors General of India at Jammu and Srinagar, President of Kashmir Advocates Association Srinagar, senior advocates, Principal District and Sessions Judge Srinagar, judicial officers, officers of the Registry and family members of Justice Wani were also present on the occasion. Officers, officials and advocates from the Jammu wing joined the proceedings through virtual mode.
The farewell address was delivered by Senior Additional Advocate General Mohsin Qadri, who lauded Justice Wani’s dedication, judicial acumen and steadfast commitment to upholding the rule of law. He said Justice Wani’s tenure on the High Court Bench was marked by prudence, fairness and a deep sense of justice, with particular emphasis on access to justice for the poor and marginalised sections.
President, Kashmir Advocates Association Srinagar, Advocate Waseem Gull, in his address, commended the distinguished judicial service rendered by Justice Wani and highlighted his commitment to fairness, justice and constitutional values.
In his address, Chief Justice Arun Palli highlighted Justice Wani’s academic excellence, professional integrity and balanced judicial temperament, noting that his tenure was marked by discipline and clarity of thought that earned him respect across the legal fraternity. The Chief Justice also acknowledged the support of Justice Wani’s family throughout his judicial journey and extended best wishes for his health, happiness and fulfilment in the years ahead.
Responding to the farewell, Justice Javed Iqbal Wani expressed 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 during his tenure. He said 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 advocates from 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.
After the conclusion of the proceedings, Justice Wani was accorded a guard of honour by security personnel in recognition of his distinguished judicial service.