Srinagar, Mar 30 : Former Deputy Mayor and Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Conference secretary Sheikh Mohammed Imran on Monday alleged a coordinated legal and legislative strategy aimed at facilitating the renewal of high-value leasehold properties in Gupkar and commercial interests in Gulmarg.
In a video statement, Imran pointed to a series of recent developments, including the reshuffle of law officers and the introduction of new legislation in the Assembly, which he claimed were intended to influence pending court cases and bypass auction norms for prime land.
He said the process began with the reconstitution of the legal team through Government Order No. 3957-JK (LD) issued on March 28. This, he alleged, was followed by the tabling of the J&K Land Grants (Restoration & Protection) Bill, 2025, in the Assembly on Monday.
According to Imran, the revamped legal team may argue before the High Court that the pending matters are now covered under the proposed legislative framework, effectively neutralising ongoing litigation.
He referred to two key cases—WP(C) No. 210/2023 filed by Safia Abdullah Khan concerning Estate Sonwar, Gupkar, and WP(C) No. 57/2023 filed by Dr Farooq Abdullah related to the Gupkar residence. Both leasehold properties are set to expire on August 26, 2026, and are currently protected by status quo orders.
The Peoples Conference leader claimed that the proposed legislation seeks to repeal the 2022 rules mandating auction-based allocation and restore the earlier framework that gives renewal preference to existing lessees.
“This effectively grants the first right of refusal and protection from eviction, creating a direct pathway for lease renewal without open auction,” he said.
He further alleged that similar considerations extend to high-value hotel leases in Gulmarg, where several commercial properties are nearing expiry. He claimed that the same legal and legislative framework could facilitate their renewal, resulting in significant commercial gains.
Imran also alleged indications of “pre-aligned understandings” with beneficiaries, suggesting that both residential leases in Gupkar and hotel leases in Gulmarg are being addressed through a unified policy aimed at avoiding open auctions of prime land.
He also referred to an ongoing Enforcement Directorate case (CNR No. JKSG-0305-1841-2024), listed for hearing on Monday, and raised the possibility of its overlap with the lease-related developments.
The leader said the synchronisation of legal restructuring, legislative intervention and judicial positioning raises serious questions about transparency and the equitable management of public land and high-value assets in Jammu and Kashmir. (Agency)
