Take steps for DGPC elections: HC

Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, July 7: High Court has directed the Divisional Commissioner Jammu to take steps for holding elections to the District Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee (DGPC), Jammu and conclude the process as early as possible and positively by September 30, 2013.
After hearing battery of lawyers, Justice Hasnain Massodi directed Divisional Commissioner Jammu that he shall take over the responsibility of District Gurdwara Prabandhak Committee, Jammu from the petitioners.
“The petitions with the consent and on agreement of counsels for the parties are disposed off with the terms that the notification dated November 10, 2008 (SRO 357 of 2008) and the notification dated December 19, 2011 (SRO-375 of 2011) shall cease to be in force from July 8, 2013”, Justice Massodi said.
The High Court also directed State Government that as first step towards election to the committee election authority should be appointed within two weeks from the date of this order. “The election authority shall cause the electorate roll to be prepared within two weeks, allot symbols, appoint returning officers and presiding officers. The Returning Officer shall, within one week after he is appointed, notify the date of holding the election, date of submissions of nomination papers, time and date of scrutiny of nomination papers and steps for smooth conduct of election”, the HC further directed.
Justice Massodi also directed the Divisional Commissioner to hand over the charge to the DGPC Jammu immediately after the constituted committee and in any case by or before September 30, 2013.