Early Times Report
JAMMU, July 6: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has expressed dissatisfaction over the status report filed by the J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority in a PIL concerning alleged encroachments on Shah Canal, observing that the report was inconclusive and failed to deal with the core issue of removal of encroachments.
A Division Bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani was hearing WP(C) PIL No. 5/2023 filed by Mir Mohammad Shafi against the Union Territory of J&K and others.
The Court took on record the status report dated June 28, 2026, filed by the Vice Chairman, J&K Lake Conservation and Management Authority, Srinagar. However, while considering the matter, the Bench observed that the report did not address the issue of actual removal of encroachments and instead shifted the entire responsibility to the Revenue Department for identifying the encroached portion of Shah Canal.
Appearing for the petitioner, Mr. Shafqat Nazir, Advocate with Ms. Sabreena Bashir, Advocate, represented the case, while Mr. Mohsin-ul-Showkat Qadiri, Senior AAG with Ms. Maha Majeed, AC, appeared for official respondents. Other respondents were represented by Mr. Jahangir Ahmad Dar, GA, Mr. T.M. Shamsi, DSGI with Ms. Rehana Qayoom, Advocate, Mr. Manzoor Ahmad Dar, Advocate, Mr. Mohammad Altaf Khan, Advocate, Mr. Zubair Ahmad, Advocate, Mr. F.A. Wani, Advocate, Mr. Sikandar Hayaat, Advocate, Ms. Suwaiba, Advocate, and Mr. Iman Abdul Muizz, Advocate.
The Court observed that there was enough documentary evidence on record indicating the names of encroachers as well as the area encroached, and therefore, it would not be difficult for the authorities to remove the encroachments.
On the request of Senior AAG Mohsin-ul-Showkat Qadiri, the Bench granted 10 days' time to the respondents to act in the matter and submit a report regarding removal of encroachments.
The Court made it clear that in case of failure, the Vice Chairman, LCMA, and Deputy Commissioner, Srinagar, shall appear in person on the next date of hearing.
The matter has been listed for further consideration on July 22, 2026.
(JNF) |
