Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Sept 18: High Court today issued notice to the then Divisional Commissioner Jammu Sanjeev Verma asking him to explain as to why he should not be punished for contempt of the orders.
The notice has been issued by Justice Dhiraj singh Thakur in a contempt petition filed by Sheela Devi and others.
Advocate Joyti Sarup appearing for the petitioners submitted that vide judgement and order dated 18.12.2017, this court had allowed the writ petition by directing the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu to initiate steps for formal acquisition of the land in question for purposes of payment of compensation thereof.
After hearing Advocate Joyti Sarup for the petitioner whereas Senior AAG SS Nanda for the respondent, High Court observed, “statement of facts has been filed on 30.12.2020, by Sanjeev Verma, the then Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, in which it has been stated that the claim of the petitioners for compensation in lieu of land in question is not sustainable as the land in question had been donated by the petitioners for the welfare of the village”.
“Clearly, the then Divisional Commissioner, Jammu, intentionally defied the judgement and order passed by this court, by filing the response in the contempt petition”, Justice Thakur said, adding “the then Divisional Commissioner, Jammu has clearly attempted to intentionally defy the judgment and order dated 18.12.2017, for which appropriate action needs to be taken”.
Accordingly, High Court issued notice to the officer to explain as to why he should not be punished for contempt of the orders. The High Court, on verbal request of Advocate Joyti Sarup, impleaded Dr Raghav Langer, present Divisional Commissioner as respondent in the instant contempt petition.
He has been directed to comply with the judgment and order dated 18.12.2017 in its letter and spirit.
Follow our WhatsApp channel