Migrant Pandit Woman Alleges Encroachment on 165-Kanal Property in Srinagar Despite High Court Protection
Srinagar, Oct 29, KNT: A migrant woman has alleged encroachment on her property at Omarheer, Soura area of Srinagar outskirts, claiming that a large portion of the land has been enclosed with concrete blocks and metal fencing despite court directions for its protection.
Shakuntala Jalali,, daughter of Shambu Nath Jalali, a resident of Haba Kadal Srinagar and presently residing at Muthi Migrant Camp in Jammu, said her property comprises around 165 kanals of land, including 51 kanals of open land. She has sought the intervention of the Srinagar district administration, urging action against those allegedly encroaching upon the property and officials responsible for any lapses.
The dispute is pending before the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh in WP(C) No. 1373/2023, titled Shakuntala Bhan v. UT of J&K and Others. An order dated February 7, 2024, directs the Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, and Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation, to ensure maintenance of status quo over the property.
An earlier order issued by the office of the Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, on June 7, 2023, directed the Tehsildar Eidgah to take the property into custody in accordance with the Jammu and Kashmir Migrant Immovable Property (Preservation, Protection and Restraint on Distress Sales) Act, 1997. Protective boards have also been installed at the site, declaring the property sub judice and under the custody of the District Magistrate.
Despite these measures, Jalali has alleged that a large portion of the land has been enclosed with concrete blocks and metal sheets. She has also raised questions over the issuance of land-revenue extracts, known as Intikhab, by the concerned Patwari in favour of persons claiming rights over the land.
When contacted by Kashmir News Trust, the concerned Ward Officer said the person who erected the concrete blocks had produced a land-revenue extract issued by the Patwari.
The concerned Patwari could not be contacted for comment despite repeated attempts.
Jalali has appealed to the Srinagar district administration to examine the matter, establish how the revenue extract was issued in relation to the property and take appropriate action against the alleged encroachers and any officials found responsible. [KNT]
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