Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Oct 6: In a contempt petition, Division Bench of State High Court comprising Justice Tashi Rabtsan and Justice MK Hanjura has granted final four weeks time to the State for formulation of Water Policy with the direction that Chief Secretary shall appear in person on next date of hearing in case of non-compliance.
During the course of hearing, Advocates A K Sawhney and Aseem Sawhney, appearing for the petitioner, submitted that Division Bench had directed the respondents to frame the Water Policy within 2 months in February 2016 and till then maintain status quo with regard to Gair Mumkin Khad lands. “However, despite lapse of more than one year the respondents are have failed to comply with the directions on one excuse or the other”, they added.
After hearing both the sides, the DB observed, “affidavit in terms of order dated 25.08.2017 has been filed by Chief Secretary contending that it was decided in the meeting convened on 19.09.2017 that concerned departments will furnish their comments in light of discussions held in the meeting, within a period of one week positively. It is further contended that on receipt of comments, same will be placed before Cabinet Sub Committee in its next meeting for consideration”.
Accordingly, Division Bench granted final opportunity to comply with the directions failing Chief Secretary shall appear in person on the next date of hearing.
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