Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Mar 13: In a PIL filed by JKNPP supremo Bhim Singh alleging transfer of 623 kanals and 10 marlas of forest land to the JDA for construction of a colony at Sidhra, Division Bench of High Court comprising Chief Justice M M Kumar and Justice Muzaffar Hussain Attar today directed the Housing and Urban Development Department and Jammu Development Authority to file status report within four weeks with the details of the allotments made to any party, the terms and conditions and the period for which allotment has been made.
When the PIL was taken-up, Advocate SK Shukla appearing for the PIL pointed out that out of 623 Kanals of land a big chunk of land has been allotted to a private party where Acharya Shri Chander College of Medical Sciences & Hospital (ASCOMS) has come up.
During the course of hearing, Advocate General MI Qadiri produced minutes of meetings dated January 9, 2014 and February 12, 2014. In the meeting held in the chamber of Advocate General on January 9, 2014, the issue discussed was whether the land in question measuring about 623 kanals was still required by the Jammu Development Authority or not.
The Housing and Urban Development Department on the one hand and the Forest Department on the other hand reiterated their stand taken before the Government. The JDA expressed need of the land for development of a satellite township, whereas the Forest Department pointed out that the transfer of land in question at Sidhra has not taken place in accordance with law. Accordingly, the Forest Department insisted for withdrawal of the allotment order dated June 10, 1998.
In view of conflicting stand between the Forest Department and Housing and Urban Development Department/JDA, it was decided in the meeting that the matter has to be argued on merit before High Court.
In the other meeting held on February 12, 2014, the matter was again discussed by the Chief Secretary. After threadbare discussion on the agenda, the decisions were taken that the Court case pending on the subject matter shall be vigorously pursued before the Court.
It was decided that the Advocate General will bring the whole matter regarding pending litigation, further allotments by the Housing and Urban Development Department and Forest Department to the notice of the High Court. The Housing and Urban Development Department will ascertain the latest status of the case and also pursue for vacation of status- quo order if any. The Forest Department will not revoke the impugned order No. 242-FST of 1998 dated 10.06.1998 till a view is taken by the High Court of the latest status submitted through Advocate General.
During the course of hearing, Advocate General requested for some time to apprise the Court about the pending litigation and further allotments by the House and Urban Development Department and Forest Department. On this, DB granted four weeks time with the direction to the Registry to list the PIL on April 23, 2014.
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