DB directs Defence Secy to file affidavit complying direction

Release of more than Rs 140 cr for land acquisition

Excelsior Correspondent

JAMMU, Apr 22: In a contempt petition filed by Rakesh Khajuria and others over non-implementation of judgment of court directing payment of compensation of 680 kanals of land at Rehmbal worth Rs 140 crore, a Division Bench of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court comprising Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Rajesh Sekhri has directed Defence Secretary to look into the issues and file an affidavit complying the direction by or before the next date of hearing.
When the contempt petition came-up for hearing, DB observed, “Vishal Sharma, DSGI submits that he has filed fresh status report on behalf of Defence Estates Officer, Udhampur, however, the same is not scanned. Registry is directed to trace out the status report, the same be scanned and attached with the file”, adding “DSGI has also produced a copy of the status report and the same is taken on record”.
Along with the status report, copy of the communication dated 28.03.2024 addressed by Col Q (Land) For MG OL to the DG LW & E Dte/Land (North & East) OMG’s Branch IHQ of MoD (Army) has been annexed, whereby request has been made to process the case for obtaining sanction of Competent Authority for acquisition of land.
DB observed, “the communication was issued on 28.03.2024; however, DSGI has not produced any action taken on the same as on today”, adding “instead of giving direction to the Director General Defence Land North & East Command and Defence Estates Officer Northern Command, we deem it appropriate to direct the Defence Secretary, Government of India to look into the issue and file an affidavit complying the direction passed by this court by or before the next date of hearing”.