Court in Srinagar declares man missing since nearly three-decade as dead after he was picked by Army

Srinagar, April 8 -- In a significant judgment addressing a nearly three-decade-old disappearance, a Special Mobile Magistrate court in Srinagar has declared Abdul Rashid Wani, missing since July 1997, as legally dead and directed authorities to issue his death certificate to his family.

The court of Special Mobile Magistrate (PT&E), presided over by Sub-Judge Massarat Jabeen, passed the order on April 4 while deciding a civil suit filed by Wani's wife, Farida Shabnum, along with their two sons- all residents of Madina Colony, Bemina.

The family had sought a declaration of death and a mandatory direction to the authorities to issue a death certificate, citing his prolonged disappearance and lack of any trace since 1997.

The respondents i...