Early Times Report
JAMMU, Oct 10: In a Public Interest Litigation filed by Press Core Council Through Indu Bushan Bali seeking direction to to the Union of India through Ministry of Home Affairs to name the Government schools and hospitals in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir after the names of martyrs who, as per the petitioner have sacrificed their lives for the nation. The petitioner also prays for direction to the Department of School Education to implement awareness programmes in the schools to educate children about the sacrifices made by the martyrs to save this Country, as also a direction to J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages to organize cultural events, poetry recitations and seminars to honour martyrs. A Division Bench of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court Comprising Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Sanjay Dhar after hearing petitioner in person, observed that Naming of schools and hospitals after the name of the martyrs or statesmen etc is a policy matter of the Government and no Mandamus can be issued to name a particular school or hospital by the name of a particular martyr or politician nor we can issue general directions to the Education Department to implement the awareness programmes as are suggested by the petitioner. DB further observed that the J&K Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, is already organizing the cultural events and other competitions and seminars on the eve of Independence Day and Republic Day etc and, therefore, what programmes should be organized by the Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, is always best left to the people from the field of Art, Culture and Languages, who work in the said academy. This Court cannot, in the exercise of extraordinary writ jurisdiction, issue Mandamus to the Academy of Art, Culture and Languages, to have in its curriculum particular items. DB further observed that the petitioner, if he is interested to ensure that martyrs, who have sacrificed their lives for the nation are adequately honored by the Government, is free to approach the government by way of representation. DB further observed that however, we do not find it a fit case where we should show indulgence in Public Interest. This petition is, accordingly, disposed of by giving liberty to the petitioner to file a detailed representation in this regard to the Ministry of Home Affairs about the alleged neglect by the State in honoring the martyrs, who, as per the petitioner have sacrificed their lives for the nation. We hope and trust that if such representation is made, the same shall be considered in light of the policy in vogue and requisite measures, if any, required shall be taken.
—JNF |
