NARINDER NATH AND ORS Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) On the last date of hearing, there was no representation on behalf of the petitioners in all the three writ petitions. Today also, when the cases are called out, there is no representation on their behalf. Otherwise also, in these petitions, the petitioners have challenged the vires of Section 12(2) of the J&K State Lands (Vesting of Ownership to the Occupants] Act, 2001 and the consequential demand notices issued by respondents No. 4 and 5 for resorting to punitive action as contemplated under section 9 of the said Act.

(2.) It may be noted that during the pendency of these writ petitions, the Division Bench of this Court in the case of Professor S.K.Bhalla vs. State and ors., (PIL No. 19/2011, decided on 09.10.2020), has held the aforesaid Act as ultra vires the Constitution of India. In that view of the matter, these petitions have been rendered infructuous as the primary relief claimed has already been granted.

(3.) Be that as it may, since no one has come forward to represent the petitioners in these writ petitions, it would be appropriate to dismiss the same for non prosecution. It is so ordered.