Bandipora, August 19(KNS): The Court of Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM), Bandipora, presided over by Judge Iqbal Ahmad Akhoon, has directed the Station House Officer (SHO), Police Station Kulgam, to take necessary steps to secure and produce a 10-year-old minor child before the court on the next date of hearing.

 

The direction was passed on an application filed by Aabida Rasool through her counsel, Advocate Amir Hassan, seeking interim directions for production and restoration of the minor child in terms of a Lok Adalat Award dated August 1, 2026.

 

According to the court proceedings, the applicant stated that a family dispute between the parties had been settled before the Lok Adalat, with custody of the minor agreed to remain with the mother until the child attains majority, while visitation rights were granted to the father.

 

The applicant further alleged that the respondent took the minor child on August 14, 2026, under the permitted visitation arrangement but allegedly failed to return the child after expiry of the permitted period.

 

The court, while considering the matter, observed that at this stage it was not required to finally adjudicate the rights of the parties. However, considering the age of the minor and the terms of the Lok Adalat Award, the court directed that the child be produced before it so that the child's welfare and best interests could be duly considered.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel

 

As an interim measure, Judge Iqbal Ahmad Akhoon directed the SHO, Police Station Kulgam, to secure and produce the minor before the court on the next date of hearing, without causing unnecessary hardship or trauma to the child.

 

The respondent has also been directed to remain present along with the minor and assist in ensuring the child's safe production before the court. The SHO has further been directed to ensure the child's safe production with due regard to the minor's dignity, comfort and welfare.

 

The respondent has also been directed not to remove the minor child outside the jurisdiction of the court or otherwise frustrate the terms of the Lok Adalat Award dated August 1, 2026, except in accordance with the award or with permission of the competent court.

 

The matter has been listed for August 21, 2026, for production of the minor and further proceedings. The SHO, Police Station Kulgam, has also been directed to submit a compliance report.

 

The order was passed on August 19, 2026, by Chief Judicial Magistrate Bandipora, Judge Iqbal Ahmad Akhoon.(KNS).