HC directs DC to take possession of SMC official’s land

Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Dec 6: Jammu and Kashmir High Court today directed the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar to take possession of land of the Srinagar Municipal Corporation’s Chief Enforcement Officer.
The 4 kanals and 18 marlas land belonging to Hakim Aijaz Ali of SMC will be under the superdasi with Tehsildar Srinagar as per the court’s direction.
A Division Bench of High Court comprising Justices Ali Mohammad Magray and Justice Muzaffar Hussain Attar directed the DC to take possession of the land after Hakim submitted survey number of his land at Rawalpora.
Earlier, the court had directed the Corporation’s enforcement wing-Chief Khilafwarzi Officer, Khilafwarzi Officer, Building Inspector, Senior Building Officers- to submit location and details of property assets owned by them and their spouses before the court.
Regarding the inquiry report initiated against the delinquent officials, the court directed its status report be filed in next hearing.
On de-sealing of premises (structures) of those whose property has been sealed by SMC after court directions, the court ordered that the Competent Authority (SMC) should consider the claim for de-sealing who approached them strictly in accordance with law.
“In such eventuality reasons shall be recorder by the Competent Authority and report be submitted to the court before ordering de-sealing of any premises,” the court said.
The High Court had ordered sealing of 42 buildings in the city which had come up in violation of the Master Plan.