Srinagar, Oct 10, KNT: The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has granted a final opportunity to the Estates Department to file a specific affidavit detailing concrete measures taken on the recommendations of the Designated Committee regarding government accommodation allotted to former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and former BJP J&K President Ravinder Raina.
The Division Bench, comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal, passed the direction while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL No. 17/2020) that seeks eviction of former politicians and ex-legislators overstaying in official residences.
During the hearing held through virtual mode, Advocate S.S. Ahmed, appearing for the petitioner, argued that despite repeated directions, the Estates Department had failed to act on the recommendations of the Designated Committee, which met on February 28, 2025, under the chairmanship of IGP (CID).
He contended that even after the Division Bench’s earlier warning on May 27, 2025, the department sought further time in its updated status report dated July 4, 2025, showing disregard for the court’s orders.
After hearing the submissions, the Bench granted one last opportunity to Deputy Advocate General Vishal Bharti, representing the Estates Department, to file a clear affidavit outlining the department’s action on the matter.
Observing the public interest involved, the court directed that the PIL be listed again on October 27, 2025, for further consideration. [KNT]
