Fayaz Bukhari
Srinagar, Feb 19: Jammu and Kashmir High Court today directed the State Government to retrieve thousands of acres of State land from the illegal occupants and inform the court about the steps taken in this direction.
Justice Ali Mohammad Magrey after perusal of report of Divisional Commissioner Kashmir, which reveals that thousands of acres of State land are under the illegal occupants, directed retrieving of the land from the encroachers.
“Notwithstanding the directions passed by this court with reference to protection provided to petitioners, there shall be no cause or reason with the State respondents to proceed in the matter and ensure retrieve of the State land after evicting the illegal occupants”, directed the bench.
Court after perusal of 513 page report submitted by Divisional Commissioner observed: “Court cannot act as a silent spectator to the worsening law and order situation. Since the information about the encroachment of State land has come into the notice of the court, therefore, in order to discharge its Constitutional duty it is thought appropriate to order as following”.
Court directed the Divisional Commissioner to file an affidavit indicating therein as to what steps have been taken to ensure retrieving of Stand land from the illegal occupants. “The Divisional Commissioner shall ensure removal of encroachments from State land, as detailed out by the committee in the report and assign the job to some competent authority”, court directed.
Court also directed the Inspector General of Police Kashmir to ensure that all measures are in place at the time of removing these encroachments. “Failure to remove the encroachment of State land as per the details shall invite appropriate action against the erring officials”, court warned.
Court expressed its anguish over the act of Srinagar Municipal Corporation for not cooperating with the police authorities in this regard.
Court said that no steps have been taken by the authorities to ensure retrieve of the State land as they are custodian or the public property. “There is nothing on record to suggest that SMC has furnished the report to SDPO Maharaj Gunj, Srinagar to enable him to conclude the enquiry and investigation ordered by the SSP Srinagar and no report is also submitted by the SSP”, reads the order.
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