Excelsior Correspondent
Srinagar, Feb 28: The High Court today directed the authorities to evict the illegal encroachers from grazing land in Kangan, Ganderbal, and restore it for the benefit of villagers, but upheld the construction of panchayat building and playground.
Justice Bansi Lal Bhat while disposing of the petition filed by the inhabitants of village Chinner in Kangan directed the authorities to evict the illegal encroachers and trespassers as per Supreme Court directions and restore the land for the common benefit of villagers.
About 160 kanals of grazing land has been used for commercial, residential purposes and the authorities had constructed a Panchayat Ghar and were developing playground on the grazing land.
The inhabitants were seeking to maintain the Kahcharai land and restrain any person or organization from usurping it for any other purpose and also demolition of all structures raised on it.
“Usurpation of granting land for setting up of private commercial establishments and residential houses is concerned, same is in clear violation of the provisions of law, in terms whereof the user of land is reserved for common benefit of villagers and same cannot be usurped for private use by any individual to the exclusion of the local village community,” the court said.
The court observed that no fault can be found with the construction of Panchayat Ghar and developing of playground.
“The exercise shall be done as expeditiously as possible, preferably within a period of six months and copy of this order be sent to the Chief Secretary of the State for immediate compliance keeping in view law laid down by the Apex court,” the court directed.
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