Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Apr 7: In a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) regarding illegal constructions being carried out around Railway Station, Katra, Division Bench of State High Court comprising Justice Mohammad Yaqoob Mir and Justice Janak Raj Kotwal today directed Katra Development Authority to give 48 hours time to all the violators for showcasing as to why they have raised constructions without permission and thereafter proceed in accordance with law.
After hearing Advocate Ajay Sharma appearing for the PIL, Division Bench said that sealing of the buildings as ordered by this court will remain in force till the authority takes appropriate decision depending on the facts and features of each case in accordance with the laid down provisions.
Division Bench further directed that the aggrieved parties may have a right to work out their remedy, which includes to invoke the power of the appellate authority, thereafter to invoke power of this court under Article 226 of the Constitution.
On this, Advocate Ajay Sharma appearing for the PIL submitted, “there is chance of matter getting again derailed as the authority concerned may not show that much of vigilance in dealing with the matter”, adding “the result of this long drawn Public Interest Litigation after such a great effort would get adversely affected as such some mechanism is to be evolved to ensure action against the encroachers within some time frame”.
Taking note of these submissions, Division Bench further directed that the authorities concerned shall initiate the process immediately on receipt of the copy of this order and after two months they shall submit the report in a tabulated form clearly indicating serial-wise as to how many violations are existing then, what was the action taken and what is the final status.
“In case the authorities irrespective of their levels show any type of laxity shall have to appear in person on the next date to explain their conduct”, the DB said.
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