CJM Handwara attached for alleged misconduct

Srinagar, July 23: High Court has ordered the immediate attachment of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) Handwara, Vishaish Kumar Parihar, amid an enquiry into allegations of misconduct.

This action comes after the Court accepted the report (dated November 30, 2023) from the Enquiry Judge in a meeting held on July 20, 2024. The report proposed a major punishment of dismissal from service for Parihar.

The Registrar General Shahzad Azeem issued an order that reads: “The order, No: 8.26 of 2024/RG, issued on July 23, 2024, mandates that Parihar will remain attached to the Registrar Judicial’s office with immediate effect.

Furthermore, the Sub Judge of Kupwara has been directed to hold the additional charge of CJM, Handwara until further notice.”

The enquiry into Parihar’s conduct began during his tenure as the Sub Judge of Surankote and has culminated in this decisive action.

Earlier in October 2013, High Court placed Parihar under suspension and attached him to Jammu wing of the HC.

Registrar Vigilance had submitted an enquiry report in respect of complaint made by Parveen Akhter, Mohammad Ikhlaq Khan and other residents of Surankote wherein serious allegations have been made against Parihar, then Sub-Judge Surankote regarding his conduct, integrity, honesty and reputation.