Raju Karpada held ‘secret meeting’ with Gujarat Dy CM, met IPS in jail: Gopal Italia

Ahmedabad, Feb 12, 2026
The political row surrounding the resignation of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader Raju Karpada intensified on Thursday after party MLA Gopal Italia alleged that Karpada held a “secret meeting” with the Gujarat Deputy Chief Minister Harsh Sanghavi in Gandhinagar and had contact with an IPS officer while in jail.

Responding to allegations earlier made by Karpada against the AAP, Italia claimed that the former State President of AAP’s farmer wing had acted under pressure linked to his pending criminal cases.

“Raju Karpada held a secret meeting with the Gujarat Home Minister in Gandhinagar,” Italia said, adding, “I have confirmed details about which IPS officer met him in jail and what discussions took place.”

AAP leader Italia also alleged that no prisoner is ordinarily released after 6 p.m., but Karpada was released at 10 p.m. on the day he secured bail.

“Six o’clock is the usual limit. Raju Karpada is the first person to have been released at 10 p.m. Pravin Ram was released the following day at 2 p.m. This happened because of his arrangement with BJP leaders,” he said.

He added that final hearings in two cases against Karpada were scheduled in the Surendranagar court on Thursday.

“Today is the final hearing in both his cases. Pressure was exerted on him that if he did not level allegations against AAP and Gopal Italia as per the BJP’s script, anything could happen in court,” Italia alleged.

He added, “If he (Karpada) had not held a press conference and accused the AAP, there was a strong possibility of a severe prison sentence.”

Karpada, who resigned from all party posts on Wednesday, has two cases registered under Section 307.

In one case, the Surendranagar court has allegedly sentenced him to five years’ imprisonment, while the second was pending judgement.

Four to five members of Karpada’s family are allegedly named in the latter case.

Earlier on Thursday, AAP frontal organisation state president Pravin Ram said he spent 108 days in jail with Karpada in Bhavnagar and Rajkot, and claimed that Karpada was anxious about the two cases.

“He repeatedly expressed concern that if he was convicted in the second case as well, he would not be able to contest elections,” Ram said.

He alleged that the BJP used the old court cases to create fear and exert pressure.

He also urged the Rajkot and Bhavnagar jail administrations to release CCTV footage.

“If the CCTV footage is made public, the truth will come out,” he said, asking how Karpadas bail bond was processed swiftly when others granted bail the same day did not see similar speed.(Agency)

ED attaches properties worth Rs 4.79 crore in drugs case

Hyderabad, Feb 12, 2026
The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) has provisionally attached immovable properties worth Rs 4.79 crore under the provisions of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA), 2002, in connection with a money laundering investigation related to illegal manufacturing and sale of Alprazolam, a psychotropic substance.

The attached properties belong to Girmagouni Sudheer, Bishweswar Singh, Rajeshwar Sharma Joshi, Bhavanigari Prabhu Vara Goud, Gajjela Sreesailam Goud and others and are situated in various districts of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh, ED, Hyderabad Zonal office said in a release on Thursday.

The Central agency initiated PMLA investigation on the basis of FIR registered by Gummadidala Police Station, Sangareddy district against various persons involved in illegal manufacturing, sale and purchase of Alprazolam.

ED investigation revealed that Girmagouni Sudheer had been involved in the business of buying and selling Alprazolam since 2014 on commission basis with the help of his brother Bhavanigari Prabhuvara Goud and brother-in-law Gajjela Sreeshailam Goud.

They used to sell Alprazolam to toddy vendors, who used to mix it in toddy to improve its potency. Later, he expanded this illegal business with the help of Bishweswar Singh.

During 2023, G Sudheer Goud and Bishweswar Singh purchased a factory of Sai Priya Chemicals in Bacharam Village, Abdullapurmet, Hyderabad in partnership with Rajeshwar Sharma Joshi and renamed it as Stanchem Chemicals. The accused started manufacturing of Alprazolam from the said factory premises. The sale proceeds of Alprazolam were shared by them in proportion to their investment in the factory, ED said.

They investigation also revealed that Proceeds of Crime out of illegal manufacturing and sale of Alprazolam were received by the accused in cash.

The said Proceeds of Crime were either utilized for direct cash payments to acquire immovable properties or for making cash deposits in bank accounts and thereafter using the same to purchase immovable properties. Cash deposits were made in their accounts as well as the bank accounts of their wives. Immovable properties were also acquired in their names as well as in the names of their spouses.

ED had earlier conducted searches in the case at seven premises on August 21, 2025 which resulted in the seizure of incriminating documents, Indian currency of Rs. 5 lakh, foreign currencies of USD 834 and Euro 1910, one piece of 100-gram gold bullion and 17 Silver Bars weighing around 2996.231gms. Further investigation is under progress, added the release.(Agency)

Hardeep Singh Puri Met Epstein Multiple Times, AAP Demands Union Minister’s Resignation

New Delhi, Feb 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has escalated its attack on Union Minister Hardeep Singh Puri, pointing out that his claim of meeting Jeffrey Epstein as part of a delegation is “completely false” and contradicted by documentary evidence.

Addressing the media, AAP’s National Media In-Charge Anurag Dhanda asserted that Hardeep Singh Puri met Epstein multiple times not with any official delegation, but alone and in his capacity as a senior BJP leader after the formation of the Modi Government.

He noted that the pattern of communication shows Hardeep Singh Puri was consistently eager to meet Epstein and would promptly respond whenever summoned, indicating a level of familiarity that raises serious political and ethical questions.

The AAP National Media In-charge further questioned whether the ministerial appointment granted to Hardeep Singh Puri in 2017 was linked in any way to work carried out on Epstein’s advice, and demanded his immediate resignation.

He said that if Hardeep Singh Puri does not step down, the Modi Government must remove him. The AAP leader also called on the Centre to clarify whether any similar meetings or communications took place between Epstein and the Prime Minister’s Office or Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that the matter now warrants full public disclosure and accountability.

Addressing a press conference at the AAP headquarters on Thursday, AAP National Media In-charge Anurag Dhanda said, “A minister of the Modi Government has, for the first time, openly admitted that he met Jeffrey Epstein. But he did not tell the full truth. He said he met him only as part of a delegation and never alone or in a personal capacity.

The Aam Aadmi Party has consistently maintained that the Modi Government, its ministers, and even Prime Minister Narendra Modi are somewhere under pressure from the United States and under the pressure of some undisclosed secret that has not yet come into the public domain,” Anurag Dhanda said.

He stated, “Hardeep Singh Puri’s first meeting with Epstein took place in October 2014. By that time, he had joined the BJP and was meeting Epstein not as an officer but as a senior BJP leader. The documents show that Epstein asked him how useful and beneficial his advice had been.

Hardeep Singh Puri replied that, from his perspective, it had been very useful and beneficial. After this, Hardeep Singh Puri told Epstein that he would like to come on the 8th or 10th to provide complete details.”

The AAP National Media Incharge pointed out that a senior BJP leader first takes advice from a person who had served a sentence for crimes involving sexual exploitation of minors and then says that the advice proved useful.

“Hardeep Singh Puri was not asking for time as part of any delegation. He was asking for time for himself and saying that he would come and provide complete information, as if reporting to Epstein. A personal meeting was then fixed for October 10, 2014 at 12 noon,” he said.

Anurag Dhanda said, “This meeting took place after the Modi Government was formed. Hardeep Singh Puri must clarify whether he was speaking for his personal interests or lobbying on behalf of the Modi Government.

It is now beyond doubt that he personally met Epstein several times and repeatedly discussed matters directly connected with politics or the Government. On February 4, 2015, another meeting took place, establishing that he was in direct contact with Epstein.”

Referring to emails from Epstein’s office, Anurag Dhanda said they invited Hardeep Singh Puri to Epstein’s residence in New York. “An email from Epstein’s office stated that Jeffrey was in New York and hoped that Hardeep Singh Puri could come to his house. Hardeep Singh Puri replied that he had sent a message and could come around noon.

He was seeking time to meet at Epstein’s home, not in an office and not as part of any delegation. In January 2016, he met him again. In that exchange too, Epstein’s office asked whether he had time to come and meet Jeffrey in New York,” he said.

He said the informal manner of communication reflected a close personal relationship. “The way he was being invited informally shows how deep their friendship was. Hardeep Singh Puri replied that he would come at 11 am the next morning. The next morning, confirmation was sent that they would meet at 11 am at Jeffrey’s home. On January 5, 2017, they met again, with the same residential address and time given,” he said.

Anurag Dhanda stated that all these documents have been released by the American judicial system and are completely authentic. “In May 2017, Hardeep Singh Puri confirmed that he would meet Epstein, and the meeting took place on May 19, 2017. Initially, 12 noon was fixed. Then Epstein said 12 was not suitable and asked for 11 am.

Hardeep Singh Puri agreed. The next day it was changed again to 10:30 am, and he agreed again. Each time the time was changed, he immediately accepted. Was he working for Epstein? His conduct clearly shows that Epstein was dominating him,” he said.

He questioned what was discussed in these personal meetings. “The 12 noon slot was separately reserved in his name, meaning it was a personal meeting and he was meeting Epstein alone. What were they discussing? Which Indian businesses, which agreements, what matters were being discussed? He must clarify what he wanted from Epstein.

When he was questioned earlier, he casually said that if anything had happened, he would have said so. Now we have shown that things did happen, and he must answer,” he said.

Anurag Dhanda said further emails show eagerness from Hardeep Singh Puri’s side to meet Epstein. “Epstein’s office asked whether he would be available on Friday, January 9 at 5:30 pm to meet at Jeffrey’s residence. An immediate reply came from Hardeep Singh Puri saying that he would reach there.

There was no negotiation on timing. Whatever time was given, he accepted. In March 2015 and December 2015, Epstein asked whether there was time for coffee the next day. Hardeep Singh Puri replied that he was in India and would arrive on April 10, after which they could meet. After reaching New York, he emailed asking to be informed when Epstein was in the city and available for coffee.

The response was that it would be in the last week. The communication between them was highly informal,” he said.

Displaying documents, Anurag Dhanda said, “In the same schedule, it is written that at 9:40 pm he and the girls were to arrive, and at 11 am there was a meeting with Hardeep Singh Puri. This clearly shows what kind of character Epstein had, and yet the meetings continued,” he said.

He said it cannot be claimed that Hardeep Singh Puri was unaware of Epstein’s background. “In one email, he wrote asking to be informed when Epstein returned from his island. He knew what was happening on that island. Having served at the international level, he would also have known the offences for which Epstein had been convicted. Despite that, closeness was maintained,” he said.

Anurag Dhanda stated that this entire series of meetings took place just before Hardeep Singh Puri was made a minister in 2017. “In 2017, he was made a minister, and right up until that point, he was continuously meeting Epstein. He said the advice had been fruitful. Was he rewarded with a ministerial post because of these activities? After becoming a minister, how was this lobby used?” he asked.

He said the that AAP demands that Hardeep Singh Puri be immediately removed from his post and that the entire matter be investigated. “Indian agencies should examine these documents and meetings to determine which businesses were being discussed.

Until the investigation is complete, he should step down as Union Minister. It is deeply shameful that the name of our ministers and the Prime Minister is being associated with a person convicted of crimes involving thousands of minor girls,” he said.

Raising further questions, Anurag Dhanda said many documents have not yet been made public by the United States. “Have there been similar meetings or conversations between Epstein and the Prime Minister’s Office or Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in exchange for which India is accepting unilateral demands from the United States? The manner in which the ceasefire with Pakistan and trade deals were carried out cannot be accepted by any sovereign nation. This is like behaving as a subordinate, and the country will not accept it,” he said.

Concluding, Anurag Dhanda said the matter now clearly requires investigation. “A minister of the Modi Government admitted that he met Epstein but attempted to claim it was only as part of a delegation.

These documents completely expose that claim and show that personal meetings took place, advice was sought, and reports were given. In such circumstances, the Modi Government’s claim that it is entirely clean in the Epstein file matter cannot be trusted,” Anurag Dhanda said.

Punjab Speaker Sandhwan Interacts with Students of PM Shri Govt Senior Secondary School

Chandigarh, 12 February, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Punjab Vidhan Sabha Speaker Kultar Singh Sandhwan today interacted with students of PM Shri Government Senior Secondary School, Godhewala (Moga), during their educational visit to the Punjab Vidhan Sabha.

Addressing the students, the Speaker said that the objective of such visits is to cultivate awareness and interest in democratic institutions and constitutional processes among young minds. He emphasized that encouraging students to understand legislative proceedings is essential for strengthening participatory democracy.

Approximately 170 students from Classes 9th to 12th toured the Punjab Vidhan Sabha. The students expressed great enthusiasm and delight upon meeting the Speaker.

Highlighting the role of youth in nation-building, Sandhwan remarked that today’s students are the future leaders and policymakers of Punjab. He later hosted the students for lunch at his residence, where they interacted informally and shared their aspirations.

Explaining the functioning of the Punjab Legislative Assembly, the Speaker elaborated on legislative procedures, including how laws are framed, debated, and passed in the House. He underlined that laws are enacted keeping in view the needs and grievances of society to ensure peace, justice, and prosperity for the people of Punjab.

Dr. Mandeep Kaur (Vice Principal), Tejvant Singh Sandhu (Lecturer, Political Science), Chamkaur Singh (Lecturer, Geography), Jaswinder Kaur (Lecturer, Economics), Manmohan Kaur (SST Teacher), Jagseer Singh (Vocational Teacher), Vandhana Kalra (Computer Teacher), Jastar Singh (Campus Manager), and Kuldeep Singh were present during the visit.

Harjot Bains Directs Officials To Speed Up Execution Of ₹100-Cr Infra Projects in Sri Anandpur Sahib

Chandigarh, February 12, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)

Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains today reviewed the progress of over Rs 100 crore infrastructure development projects being carried out in Sri Anandpur Sahib constituency. These projects include four bridges over Swan Nadi and Sutlej river, boosting connectivity with over 100 villages and neighbouring state Himachal Pradesh.

While reviewing the progress of four bridges being constructed over Swan Nadi and Sutlej river during a meeting with Ropar district authorities and officials from the departments concerned here in his office, Bains said that the construction of bridges, at Bhallari-Khera Kalmot, Algran, Kalitran-Bela Dhiyani and Bela Dhiyani-Plassi, will cut travel time for commuters, besides boosting inter-state trade, and fueling economic growth in the region, which would ultimately benefit the local residents.

Harjot Singh Bains directed the officials concerned to speed up the work on these projects while maintaining the highest standards of durability and quality. He warned that any lapses or delays would invite strict action. He underscored Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann-led Punjab government’s focus on development and ensuring state-of-the-art infrastructure for the people of Punjab.

BJP hails probe success as UN report flags Jaish-e-Mohammed link to Red Fort blast

New Delhi, Feb 12, 2026
As a United Nations counter-terrorism monitoring team has named Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) in connection with the deadly blast at Delhi’s historic Red Fort, the BJP on Thursday said it reflects the success of India’s investigating agencies in uncovering the conspiracy behind the attack.

Speaking to IANS, BJP MP Praveen Khandelwal asserted: “It is the success of our investigating agencies that they have reached the bottom of this entire bomb blast. With the name of Jaish-e-Mohammed coming forward, it is certainly a very big conspiracy. As more aspects come out in the investigation, the whole picture will become clear.”

BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said: “The masters of terrorists in Pakistan are being exposed one after another before the entire world. These savage terrorists are a threat not only to India but to global peace as well.”

BJP MP Damodar Agarwal said the matter is being closely monitored. “The Ministry of Home Affairs is examining this matter very closely. The Government of India is vigilant. I believe that after ascertaining the facts, appropriate action will be taken,” he said.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Pawan Kumar Bansal said Pakistan has been making false claims about eliminating Jaish-e-Mohammed. He said India has repeatedly raised the issue at the United Nations and other international forums due to the group’s continued terror activities against India.

“Pakistan has been making false claims that it has eliminated Jaish-e-Mohammed. However, due to their continued terrorist actions against India, we have repeatedly raised our voice at the United Nations and elsewhere,” Bansal said.

He added that Pakistan claimed the group had been destroyed, but the latest UN Sanctions Monitoring Report shows otherwise.

“The report confirms that the November 10 blast at Delhi’s Red Fort, in which around 13 people were killed, was carried out by Jaish-e-Mohammed. This proves Pakistan’s claim is false. Jaish-e-Mohammed is still active and involved in terrorist acts,” he said.

Congress leader Hussain Dalwai said: “This is very dangerous. If Pakistan is spreading terrorism in our country, then Pakistan must be taught a lesson in some way. No one benefits from terrorism.”

In its latest report to the UN Security Council, the Analytical Support and Sanctions Monitoring Team said one Member State had reported that JeM claimed responsibility for a series of attacks and was also linked to the assault on the Red Fort in New Delhi on November 10, which killed 15 people.

The Red Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a symbol of Indian sovereignty, has long been considered a high-value target, making the reported link particularly significant in the regional security context.

The report further noted that on October 8, JeM leader Masood Azhar formally announced the establishment of a women-only wing named Jamaat ul-Muminat. According to the UN team, the new body was explicitly aimed at supporting terrorist attacks, marking a shift in recruitment and facilitation strategies by the group.

Analysts say such moves mirror trends seen among other extremist organisations seeking to broaden their support base, expand logistics networks and evade security scrutiny by involving women in auxiliary and operational roles.

JeM, designated by the UN as an Al-Qaida-associated entity, has a long history of terrorist activity focused primarily on India, particularly in Jammu and Kashmir. Founded in 2000, the group has been blamed for several high-profile attacks, including strikes on security forces and civilian targets. Its leader, Masood Azhar, has been under UN sanctions for years, including travel bans and asset freezes.(Agency)

Chhattisgarh: Security forces defuse IEDs, raze Maoist memorials in Bijapur

Maoists Killed in Gunfight Indian Army Force

Raipur/Bijapur, Feb 12, 2026
Security forces in Chhattisgarh’s Bijapur district on Thursday carried out anti-Maoist operations during which they detected and destroyed improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and demolished memorial structures allegedly built by Maoists to honour their deceased leaders.

In one operation, a joint team from the Awapalli police station and Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) battalions was engaged in demining duty along the Awapalli-Murdanda road. Around three kilometres from Murdanda Camp, the bomb detection and disposal squad located an approximately 30 kg IED allegedly planted by Maoists in a foxhole dug nearly five feet inside and two feet below the main road surface.

According to police officials, the device was fitted with a switch mechanism intended to target large vehicles. Owing to its deep placement, safe removal was not feasible, and the IED was destroyed in situ as a precautionary measure.

The controlled detonation created a crater on the road, which was subsequently filled to restore vehicular movement. Officials said the timely detection averted a potential major attack.

In a separate operation, during demining activities by CRPF battalions in the forward operating base (FOB) Doditumnar area under Gangaloore police station limits, a 5 kg pressure IED allegedly planted by Maoists was detected and destroyed on the spot.

Meanwhile, during an anti-Maoist operation conducted by a CoBRA battalion under Kutru police station jurisdiction, security personnel identified and demolished a memorial erected by Maoists on the banks of the Indravati river in the Maad area.

The structure commemorated Basavaraju (real name Nambala Keshava Rao), the former general secretary of the banned CPI (Maoist), who was killed along with 26 others in an encounter in Abujhmad in May 2025.

Basavaraju, described by security agencies as an engineer by training and an expert in guerrilla tactics and IED fabrication, had been a prominent figure in the Maoist insurgency for several decades.

In a related development, during search and area domination patrols in the forested stretches of Todka-Korcholi and Peddakorma under Gangaloore police station limits, a CRPF battalion team demolished additional Maoist memorial structures.

Officials said the operations form part of a broader effort to dismantle the operational and symbolic presence of the Maoist organisation in the region. By removing such structures, security forces aim to curb Maoist propaganda and discourage attempts to project influence among local communities.

The actions are part of ongoing efforts to restore normalcy in the Bastar division amid the government’s stated objective of eradicating Left-wing extremism.(Agency)

First Nipah virus death reported in Bengal

Kolkata, Feb 12, 2026
West Bengal on Thursday reported its first case of a Nipah virus-related death, after a nurse, who was affected by it and was admitted at the critical care unit of a hospital at Barasat in North 24 Parganas district, passed away.

State Health Department sources said that the deceased had developed a “secondary infection” in her lungs. Another nurse, also affected by the virus, was under treatment at the same hospital.

These nurses have been the only two cases of persons being affected by the Nipah virus.

The state Health Department had already clarified that apart from the two nurses, there had been no fresh reports of Nipah virus-affected cases in the state. Contact tracing was done to find out who came in contact with the two affected nurses.

All such people were identified, and their samples were sent to the laboratory. According to the latest reports, the test results of all the samples have come back negative. No traces of the Nipah virus have been found in anyone who came in contact with the affected nurses.

Bats are the main carriers of the Nipah virus. If anyone consumes any fruit with a bat bite, that person can also be affected by the virus. However, the World Health Organisation (WHO) had claimed that besides bats, pugs could also be the carriers of the said virus.

The average death rate of people affected by the Nipah virus is over 50 per cent. According to doctors, the earlier the virus is detected, the greater the chance of recovery.

The symptoms of the disease at the initial stage are like those of a common fever, which increases body temperature, followed by convulsions, sore throats, and severe breathing problems.

In a more serious stage, the patient can go into a coma. The treatment so far is not based on any specific method. Research into a vaccine for this virus is underway.(Agency)

Blast at Ganeshwar Tirtha Dham in Rajasthan triggers panic; probe underway

Jaipur, Feb 12, 2026
Panic gripped Ganeshwar Tirtha Dham in Rajasthan’s Sikar district on Thursday after a suitcase thrown into a pond within the temple complex exploded, triggering chaos among devotees, workers and visitors present at the site.

According to eyewitnesses, two unidentified youths arrived at the religious complex carrying a suitcase and allegedly threw it into the pond shortly before the explosion.

Within moments, a loud blast occurred, prompting those present to run for safety. Restoration and development work was under way near the pond when the incident took place.

Construction worker Suresh Gurjar, who was present at the spot, said the suitcase was blown into pieces due to the force of the blast. Debris struck the pond walls, causing damage, while water splashed out as a result of the impact.

“The blast was extremely loud. Everyone panicked and started running,” he said.

Soon after the incident, personnel from Sadar police station reached the spot, cordoned off the area and initiated an investigation. Police teams collected samples and other material evidence from the scene and recorded statements of eyewitnesses and temple staff.

As a precautionary measure, the entire Dham complex was evacuated for a brief period. A large crowd gathered outside the premises following the explosion, prompting additional security deployment.

Authorities have heightened security at the religious complex and adjoining areas to prevent any further untoward incidents. Police are conducting searches to trace the suspects and are reviewing CCTV footage from the premises and nearby locations to identify the youths involved.

Deputy Superintendent of Police (DSP) Sushil Mann said, “We have spoken to eyewitnesses and secured the area. The site has been sealed, and forensic teams are collecting evidence. The matter is under investigation, and the exact nature of the explosive material and the motive will be determined after a detailed probe.”

Officials have appealed to the public to remain calm and cooperate with the investigation. Further details are expected once the forensic analysis is completed and the probe progresses.(Agency)

J&K HC forms gender sensitisation panel against sexual harassment of women & transgenders

Jammu, Feb 12, 2026
Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, on Thursday, ordered constitution of a committee on gender sensitisation and for action in matters of sexual harassment of women and transgender persons.

An order issued by the Registrar General of the High Court said, “In compliance to the directions rendered by the Supreme Court of India in writ petition (Civil) No 1245/2025 titled Geeta Rani Vs.

Union of India and ors, the Chief Justice has been pleased to direct that the Sexual Harassment Probe Committee comprising the following, which is already in place, having been constituted, inter-alia, vide High Court order dated November 29, 2025, shall henceforth also have the mandate to prevent and redress complaints of sexual harassment and matters connected therewith, in respect of transgender persons, in addition to the matters already entrusted to it.”

“Probe for Jammu wing will be led by Justice Sindhu Sharma (Chairperson) and the Co-opted Members will be: senior advocate Sema Khajuria Sekhar; senior advocate Deepika Mahajan; Rimpash Sangotra, Law Officer of Social Welfare Department; Prem Sadotra, Advocate Secretary’ Committee, High Court Legal services ex-Officio Member Secretary, who would also be the Presenting Officer.”

“For Srinagar Wing, Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi (Chairperson), Co-opted Members: Nazir Ahmad Beigh, Senior Advocate; Masooda Jan, Senior Advocate; Naseema Hassan Bagal; Saima Maqbool, Deputy Registrar; Naveed Mir, advocate secretary high court legal committee, ex-officio secretary, who will also be the presenting officer,” the order added.

The Gender Sensitisation and Internal Complaints Committee (GSICC) acts under the 2016 regulations, focusing on Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal.

Committees include a Chairperson, Senior Advocates, and representatives from the Social Welfare Department.

A committee, specifically for the Jammu wing (example, chaired by Justice Sindhu Sharma as of early 2026), has been empowered to address complaints of sexual harassment for women and transgender persons.

The Jammu and Kashmir Judicial Academy actively organises workshops for Judicial Officers, lawyers, and staff on the Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace Act (POSH Act), Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act, and combating gender stereotypes to ensure a gender-sensitive approach in legal proceedings.

These regulations apply to both the High Court and subordinate courts in Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh.

The committee aims to create a workplace free of gender bias, with specialised training, such as on the “Handbook on Combating Gender Stereotypes”, to eliminate biased language in judicial orders.(Agency)

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