HIGH COURT OF JAMMU AND KASHMIR Vs. STATE

JUDGEMENT

(1.) WPPIL No.22/2014, MP No.79/2015, MP No.169/2014, MP No.266/2014, MP No.1/2016. This Public Interest Litigation was filed in the year 2014 alleging that there was a land scam in village Chatta, Sunjwan, Tehsil and District Jammu. The allegation is that there is a Government land which has been encroached by a private party.

(2.) An inquiry into the alleged encroachment of Government land was initiated by the General Administration Department and one Shri Sudhanshu Pandey (IAS) the then Divisional Commissioner, Jammu was appointed as Inquiry Officer vide Government order No.05-GAD of 2008 dated 01.01.2008. It appears that the said Officer could not complete the inquiry and the Public Interest Litigation was filed alleging that persons with vested interest and land mafia were trying to hush up the whole episode and the probe or inquiry was not proceeding on the right direction.

(3.) This Court showed indulgence by admitting the case and by issuing notice from time to time and number of orders have been issued. Part compliance was shown but the Divisional Commissioner took quite some time to conclude the inquiry.