Srinagar, July 12 : The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has directed the Union Territory administration to assess and provide adequate security to Advocate Mohammad Irfan, a former government lawyer who claims to have received threats for representing the State in sensitive national security-related cases.
Justice Mohd. Yousuf Wani, while disposing of Irfan’s petition, observed that it is the government’s constitutional duty to ensure an individual’s right to life and liberty, which includes the right to live free from fear and threat.
The Court noted that Advocate Irfan, who had acted as Government Counsel in matters involving anti-national elements and suspected militants, had been left vulnerable after his personal security officer (PSO) was withdrawn in 2024 without any alternate arrangement. Despite a formal representation made to the ADGP Security in November last year, no action was taken, Irfan’s counsel told the court.
Citing Article 21 of the Constitution, the Court held that the state must assess the lawyer’s threat perception and provide security accordingly. “Right to life includes the right not to live a threatening life,” the Court noted.
The petition was argued by Advocate Mehtab Gulzar on behalf of Irfan, while the government was represented by Senior Additional Advocate General Monika Kohli and Advocate Priyanka Bhat. (CNS)
