Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 16: Division Bench of State High Court comprising Justice Mohd Yaqoob Mir and Justice D S Thakur has issued various directions in the Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by the Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, Jammu.
As per the directions of the DB dated April 16, 2013 an affidavit has been filed mentioning that matter regarding release of additional amount to the Jammu and Kashmir Projects Construction Corporation was taken up by the Law Department with the Planning and Development Department vide communication dated April 23, 2013.
“When the funds are allocated/released by the department same would be placed at the disposal of the executive agency for construction of project. Till date it is not known as to whether Planning and Development Department has taken any decision”, it was submitted in the affidavit.
On this, Principal Secretary, Planning and Development Department was arrayed as party respondent and Senior AAG Gagan Basotra accepted notice. He submitted that he will file an affidavit clearly indicating as to what decision has been taken on allocation of funds as required by Law Department.
After hearing Senior Advocate M K Bhardwaj, President of Jammu and Kashmir High Court Bar Association, Jammu with Advocate Ranjeet Singh Jamwal for the PIL whereas ASGI KK Pangotra for the Union of India, Senior AAG Gagan Basotra for the State, Senior Advocate DC Raina with Advocate Arun Kumar for JKPCC, Division Bench observed, “in the light of Government order dated December 13, 2012 State had to initiate process of preparing design of the multi-storey car parking and initiate process of short-listing of architects”.
“High Court as well as Bar Association were also to be consulted before finalizing any design but till date no response had been filed”, the DB said and directed that affidavit be filed on the next date clearly indicating the steps taken in this regard.
About the previous directions regarding passage from Nagrota Highway through ASC Brigade to the High Court for Judges and the Advocates, DB observed, “ASGI KK Pangotra has produced a communication addressed by him to Under Secretary, Ministry of Defence but no response has been received as a result of which the matter has been delayed”.
On the request of ASGI, Division Bench granted three weeks time for filling requisite response. “In case of any further default, personal appearance of Under Secretary Ministry of Defence shall be indispensable”, the DB added.
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