Excelsior Correspondent
SRINAGAR, Aug 23: The Jammu and Kashmir High Court sought personal appearance of Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Shah Faisal, on constructions on wetland in North Kashmir’s Bandipora district.
The personal appearance has been sought while hearing a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) that seeks protection and preservation of Sheksar and Khurwansar wet lands at Sumbal area of the district. The DC has been asked to explain to the court whether any construction in violation of court orders has been undertaken around the wet lands.
The Division Bench Comprising Chief Justice MM Kumar and Justice MH Attar after pointing out by the counsel for Petitioner Advocate Nissar Hussain Khuroo that despite court directions construction is in progress along with dewatering process on the site, directed DC Bandipora to appear in person on September 4 before the court.
“Accordingly, we direct the DC Bandipora to appear in person and file an affidavit explaining therein whether any construction in violation of earlier court order has been undertaken”, the bench said.
Court on May last year had specifically directed that no construction or dewatering process should be carried in the wetland and its adjacent areas.
Court also directed Advocate Khuroo to file his pleadings highlighting therein the construction in progress on site.
Court had earlier also sought relevant records from concerned Nodal Officer, but submission made by the Advocate General MI Qadri that on account of some personal difficulty of Nodal officer, records could not be produced.
Advocate Khuroo also sought some time to file response to the objections of other side and court asked the parties to complete the pleadings in the matter by next date.
“We direct that pleadings in this case be completed before the next date”, says the court order.
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