Ex-Madras HC Justice V Sivagnanam Missing in Nepal After Devastating Floods; Bar Association Calls for CJI Action

Former Justice V. Sivagnanam of the Madras High Court has been reported missing in Nepal following severe flooding that struck the region over the weekend. The floods, triggered by relentless monsoon rains, have affected thousands, leading to widespread devastation and loss of communication in several areas.

The Bar Council of Tamil Nadu and Puducherry has formally requested intervention from the Chief Justice of India, N.V. Ramana, to aid in locating Justice Sivagnanam. The council expressed deep concern over the safety of legal professionals in disaster-stricken areas, emphasizing the importance of ensuring their welfare during such crises.

This situation is receiving heightened attention due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Nepal, which is grappling with the impacts of climate change and inadequate infrastructure to handle extreme weather events. The floods have reportedly displaced over 50,000 individuals and have raised alarm over the efficacy of disaster response protocols in the region.

Looking ahead, the Indian government and local authorities in Nepal may need to coordinate closely on rescue operations, potentially involving international aid organizations. The legal community is likely to advocate for enhanced protections for judicial figures and legal professionals in similar disaster-prone areas, while the situation continues to unfold.

Source: Bar and Bench