Clash over road inauguration at Kastigarh
Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Jan 23: In a significant order, Vacation Judge of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court, Justice Rajesh Sekhri has stayed the filing of the Final Report/Challan in case FIR No.0009/2026 of Police Station, Doda against District Development Councilor (DDC) of Kastigarh namely Santosha Devi and her son Swarn Veer Singh Jaral. However, court observed that investigating agency shall be at liberty to proceed with the investigation of the impugned FIR No.0009/2026.
After hearing Advocate Arshad Majid Malik appearing for the two petitioners—DDC Member Santosha Devi and her son Swarn Veer Singh Jaral, Justice Rajesh Sekhri issued notices to the Principal Secretary (Home), SHO Police Station Doda and Hakam Chand, son of Jambhu Ram of Kastigarh.
The notices were accepted in the open court by Senior AAG Monika Kohli with Government Advocate Adarsh Bhagat on behalf of official respondents, whereas, Advocate Adeep Singh accepted the notice on behalf of private respondent Hakam Chand. The appearing Advocates were directed to file the objections within a period of four weeks.
Advocate A M Malik appearing for the petitioners vehemently argued that on 08.01.2026, a public function was organized at Suli, Kastigarh for the inauguration of Suli-Zardan Road, which was attended by local residents and the petitioner being the elected DDC Member of the concerned constituency was present at the venue and was awaiting the arrival of DDC Chairperson, Doda and other dignitaries.
The private respondent—Hakam Chand who is political rival of the petitioner accompanied by his supporters was also present at the function and was in inebriated condition.
Advocate Malik further submitted that Hakam Chand and his associates started misbehaving with the petitioner in an unruly and provocative manner and when the petitioner objected to such unwarranted conduct, the private respondent Hakam Chand and his associates attacked the petitioners and subjected them to severe beatings in full public view.
Advocate A M Malik during the course of arguments further submitted that immediately after the incident, Santosha Devi approached P/S Doda and sought registration of an FIR against Hakam Chand and his associates for the unlawful assault and misconduct, however, despite repeated requests, Doda Police failed to register any case.
Advocate Malik vociferously argued that a false/frivolous FIR No.0009/2026 was registered against the petitioners at P/S Doda at the behest of Hakam Chand under Sections 126(2), 115(2), 351(2) and 352 of BNS, 2023, 3(1)(r) and 3(1)(s) of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989 (Amendment, 2015) and the FIR is politically motivated and is an abuse of process of law.
After considering the submissions of both the sides, Justice Rajesh Sekhri stayed the filing of the charge sheet/final report in the FIR against DDC Member Kastigarh Santosha Devi and her son Swarn Veer Singh Jaral and directed the registry to list this petition for further proceedings on 08.04.2026.
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