Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, May 21: High Court today directed the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, Shailender Kumar, and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, Farooq Ahmad Shah, to ensure demolition of a hut and removal of the signboard at TRC Ground here.
A Division Bench of the High Court comprising Chief Justice MM Kumar and Justice MH Attar heard an application filed by amicus curie, advocate JH Reshi, in which he said that the orders of the court on removal of encroachment of the TRC sports ground by Sumo drivers have not been completely implemented by the respondents.
The court had directed the Government to shift the Sumo Taxi Stand at Tourist Reception Centre, Srinagar, to Pantha Chowk to avoid traffic congestion in the city.
The court after hearing the parties observed that the implementation of the order in letter and spirit has not been carried forward so far.
The court also directed that the J&K Sports Council may be provided adequate security to enable it to complete the fencing of 33 meter wall and dismantling of hut and needful shall be done before 29th of this month.
The court directed that if the Deputy Commissioner Srinagar Farooq Ahmad Shah fails to implement the order, he shall be asked for his personal appearance in the court.
The status report filed by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir on the directions of the court mentions a communication of Deputy Commissioner Srinagar where in it has been said that Sumo Drivers Association along with their vehicles were evicted from the premises in presence of police and the premises has been handed over to J&K Sports Council.
However, Secretary, J&K State Sports Council through his counsel, Jehangir Iqbal Ganaie, indicated that the physical possession of the premises was not handed over to them. He said the shed-2, gate and signboards still exist at the site and they could be removed after availing police help and presence of Magistrate.
The Divisional Sports Officer submitted that they have resumed fencing at eastern side of TRC with the active cooperation of Tehsildar South and SDPO Kothi Bagh.
But, he said, work could not be completed because the police assistance and the presence of the Magistrate was sought form the district administration.
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