DB issues notice to CS, DGP; orders status quo

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 28: In a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the residents of Sunjwan and Sainik Colony against the illegal encroachment of nallah flowing towards the Sharma Resorts from Haji Basti, Division Bench of High Court comprising Justice Mohd Yaqoob Mir and Justice D S Thakur today issued notice to Chief Secretary and Director General of Police and in the meantime ordered status quo.
In the PIL, the petitioners submitted that they have been struggling for the last two years by approaching all the concerned Government authorities like Chief Minister Grievances Cell, DyCM, present and the then Revenue Minister, Minister for Housing and Urban Development, Chairman Legislative Council, Vice Chairman JDA, Divisional Commissioner, present and the then Deputy Commissioner, present officiating and the then Senior Superintendent of Police Jammu through deputations, written representations and telephonic calls that broad day light illegal encroachment of nallah, land and road was going on in total connivance with District Police, Revenue officials and politicians but they took no action in this regard.
Division Bench of State High Court Comprising Justice Mohd Yaqoob Mir and Justice DS Thakur after hearing Senior Advocate Sunil Sethi with Advocate Veenu Gupta for the PIL, issued notice to Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary Home Department,  Director General of Police, Secretary Revenue Department, Divisional Commissioner Jammu, Deputy Commissioner Jammu, Senior Superintendent of Police Jammu and two private respondents for filing their reply with in four weeks.
“Status-quo shall be maintained vis-à-vis construction being raised on khud by private respondents namely Zakir Hussain and Ashiq Hussain, sons of Qasim Din”, the DB directed and said that Deputy Commissioner Jammu shall ensure adherence to his communication No DCJ/SQ/ 2010/11 /1505-39 dated August 11, 2010 and also to communication No. FC/Cord 297/13 dated February 12, 2013.