By M A Dar, Advocate
Nestled in the high-altitude, snow-clad mountains of north Kashmir, the Gurez Valley is as stunning as it is secluded. With winter cutting off roads for months and power outages being a frequent challenge, life here demands grit. But in the face of these difficulties, one officer of the law is quietly making a difference. Ms. Mehek Mehboob, Judicial Magistrate 1st Class, posted at the Munsiff Court, Gurez, is leading by example — proving that justice can flow even when roads are closed.
In a region where routine functioning of public institutions is often disrupted due to weather and remoteness, Ms. Mehboob has emerged as a beacon of judicial resilience. Her commitment to her duties is not just admirable — it’s inspiring. Every day, she walks into the courtroom with determination, ensuring that justice is neither delayed nor denied, despite the severe logistical challenges.
The winters in Gurez are not for the faint-hearted. Temperatures plummet well below freezing, and the entire valley remains cut off from the rest of the world for several months. Frequent power cuts further complicate the functioning of offices and institutions. But none of this has dampened the spirit of Ms. Mehek Mehboob. Whether it’s holding court sessions in sub-zero temperatures or relying on backup lighting to ensure hearings continue, she carries out her responsibilities with unwavering focus.
Her presence has become a source of hope and reassurance to the residents of Gurez. In a place where access to justice was once considered distant and uncertain, she has built a space that is accessible, efficient, and dignified. Her conduct is marked by fairness, compassion, and a strong ethical compass.
Court staff and litigants alike speak highly of her calm demeanor and firm sense of duty. “In snow or shine, power or no power, she never lets the court slow down,” a local advocate shared. “She sets a powerful example, not just for us here, but for judicial officers everywhere.”
It is easy to serve when conditions are favorable. But it takes extraordinary resolve to serve in adversity — to ensure that justice is not a fair-weather friend. Ms. Mehek Mehboob has shown that the spirit of the judiciary does not freeze with the snow; it moves forward with purpose.
Her mission in Gurez is not just about legal proceedings. It is about restoring faith in institutions, about showing that even in forgotten corners, the Constitution breathes and functions. Where roads may close, justice under Magistrate Mehek Mehboob continues to flow — strong, steady, and fair.