Early Times Report
JAMMU, Nov 27: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh on Tuesday came down heavily on the government for failing to complete the Mini Secretariat project at Mendhar in Poonch district despite its clear directions issued nearly nine years ago. The court observed that the prolonged inaction amounted to "deliberate and wilful defiance" of its 2016 order directing completion of the building by the end of 2017.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal was hearing a contempt petition filed by two residents of Mendhar who had approached the court after construction of the Secretariat building came to a halt at the lintel stage. The project had been undertaken after the forest nursery located in front of the Block Development Office, Mendhar, was acquired for the purpose.
The court noted that by December 2016, nearly ?7 crore had already been spent on the project, yet the building remained incomplete and unused. During Tuesday's proceedings, senior officers from the Finance Department, Block Development Office and PW (R&B) Mendhar joined the hearing online, while the Chief Engineer, PW (R&B) Zone Pir Panjal appeared in person.
The officers informed the Bench that Rs 6.29 crore was required to complete the project, but only ?70 lakh had been sanctioned so far - and that too on November 14, 2024. Counsel for the executing agency submitted that the delay could not be attributed to it, as funds had not been released by the Administrative Department. In response, counsel representing the Administrative Departments informed the court that the Deputy Commissioner, Poonch had written on July 18, 2025 seeking release of funds, but the request was not responded to.
The Bench remarked that since the original PIL had been disposed of on December 29, 2016 and the subsequent status reports filed over the years "do not show any promise," it was compelled to conclude that the court's directions had not been complied with.
Taking serious note of the non-compliance, the court ordered impleadment of Principal Secretary, Finance Department Santosh D. Vaidya and Financial Commissioner (Revenue) Shaleen Kabra as respondents 10 and 11 in the contempt proceedings. The Deputy Advocate General accepted notice on their behalf and sought brief accommodation.
The matter has been adjourned to December 9, 2025, and both newly added officers have been directed to join the proceedings online on the next date of hearing.
(JNF) |
