Srinagar 3 April 2026: In a landmark development, the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh at Srinagar has dismissed a petition seeking quashing of FIR No. 40/2025, registered at Ram Munshi Bagh Police Station, and directed the police to proceed with the investigation without delay and present the challan before the competent court.
The judgment, delivered on March 30, 2026, by Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, came in response to a petition filed by Gulzar Ahmad Ganie and others, who had sought to nullify the FIR lodged on the complaint of a woman from Shivpora, Srinagar. The petitioners, represented by Advocate Asif Bhat and Advocate Arshid Bashir, argued that the FIR was baseless and intended only to malign their reputation.
However, the complainant, represented by Advocate Sajad Ahmad Mir, assisted by Advocate Ifra Milad, firmly opposed the plea. Advocate Sajad, known for his eloquence and unwavering commitment to justice, emphasized before the court that the allegations were grave and merited thorough investigation and trial rather than premature dismissal. His submissions carried weight and became pivotal in shaping the court’s decision.
The High Court, after hearing both sides and reviewing the case diary, observed that the petition did not fall within the narrow grounds under which an FIR can be quashed. It further noted that nearly a year had passed since the incident of May 29, 2025, yet the investigation had not progressed as it should have. In one of its strongest remarks, the court underscored that the law makes no distinction between ordinary citizens and influential people, cautioning that any delay in investigation could create an impression of undue influence.
Legal circles in Srinagar have particularly acknowledged the role of Advocate Sajad Ahmad Mir, who has earned a reputation for handling sensitive criminal matters with courage and clarity. He is widely respected for his principled stance against the quashing of FIRs at the initial stage, especially in cases involving serious allegations. His advocacy in this matter was marked by precision, conviction, and a deep sense of responsibility toward the rule of law.
With the dismissal of the petition, the interim protection earlier granted to the petitioners now stands vacated. The police have been directed to proceed strictly in accordance with law and present the challan expeditiously. The High Court has also ordered that a copy of the judgment be sent to the Director General of Police, underscoring the seriousness of its observations regarding investigative delays.