The Alert Desk

Jammu, January 9, 2025: The Jammu and Kashmir High Court has granted the government four weeks’ time to file objections in a petition challenging an FIR registered by the police against individuals involved in a protest held within the premises of the District Hospital Kishtwar.
Justice Rajesh Sekhri, on January 3, issued an order granting the government four weeks to file objections, while also maintaining a stay on the investigation in the FIR.

The protest, reportedly organized by locals was aimed at highlighting various grievances, including alleged mismanagement and a shortage of essential medical facilities in the hospital. Following the protest, the police registered an FIR, citing disruption of public order and interference with hospital operations.
The court, after hearing preliminary arguments, stayed the investigation in FIR and granted the government four weeks to submit its objections and directed both parties to present detailed arguments during the next hearing.
The petitioners approached the High Court, contesting the legality of the FIR and arguing that the demonstration was peaceful and held in the public interest. During the hearing, the petitioners’ counsel emphasized that the protest was a legitimate exercise of democratic rights, urging the court to quash the FIR.