In the wake of the devastating floods and disaster in Nepal, the Delhi Tamil Advocates Association has appealed to the Chief Justice of India for urgent assistance in locating and ensuring the safe return of Justice V. Sivagnanam, a former Madras High Court judge and senior advocate of the Supreme Court, who has been missing during his travels in the neighboring country. The association has requested the Chief Justice to take up the matter with the Government of India and relevant authorities to expedite the search operations.
Last Contact Made on the Morning of August 26
According to available details, Justice V. Sivagnanam had traveled to Nepal as part of a group of Tamil pilgrims. His presence is also documented in a photograph of the bus he was traveling in with fellow pilgrims. He made a WhatsApp call to his wife on the morning of August 26, following which all communication with him was lost, and his phone has remained unreachable since.
Second Bus Located Near the Timure Area
The association stated that some individuals traveling in a second bus were rescued near the APF Nepal Border Outpost in the Timure area of Nepal. These survivors informed the families that the bus carrying Justice Sivagnanam was merely 100 to 200 meters away from their vehicle at the time. Following this revelation, the family's anxiety regarding his safety and exact whereabouts has intensified significantly.
Call for Intervention from Indian and Nepali Authorities
The association's petition to the Chief Justice stresses the need to leverage diplomatic and administrative channels between the Indian government and Nepalese authorities. The appeal calls for every possible measure to be deployed to trace Justice Sivagnanam swiftly and facilitate his safe repatriation to India.
Legal Career Spanning Over Three Decades
Justice V. Sivagnanam has served the Indian judiciary for nearly 34 years. In recognition of his extensive legal tenure, the Supreme Court designated him as a senior advocate effective July 23, 2025. This formal appeal was submitted to the Chief Justice of India by Dr. Ram Shankar, secretary of the Delhi Tamil Advocates Association, on August 30, 2026.
Death Toll Rises to 788 Amid Catastrophic Floods in Nepal
Significantly, the death toll from the sudden and severe flooding in Nepal climbed to 788 on Sunday. As rescue teams continue to recover bodies from the debris, authorities have issued high-alert warnings regarding rising water levels in the Bhote Koshi River, advising residents and rescue personnel in flood-affected districts to remain extremely vigilant.
9,500 Individuals Rescued from Disaster Zones
The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Authority (NDRRMA) reported that the death toll in this disaster has risen to 788, while approximately 9,500 people have been safely rescued. Following a glacial breach near the Nepal-Tibet border, a sudden avalanche-like surge on August 26 unleashed massive torrents of water, mud, and debris downstream, obliterating towns and villages in central Nepal, severely damaging critical infrastructure, and destroying hydropower plants.
