By Asif Iqbal Naik
Jammu, October 9: In a significant development concerning the long-pending issue of unauthorized occupation of government accommodations by former politicians, the Division Bench of the High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajnesh Oswal, has granted a final opportunity to the Estates Department to file a specific affidavit indicating the concrete steps taken to resolve the matter related to Ghulam Nabi Azad, former Chief Minister of J&K, and Ravinder Raina, former BJP J&K President.
The directive was issued during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (PIL No. 17/2020), which seeks eviction of former Chief Ministers, Ministers, MPs, MLAs, and MLCs who have allegedly continued to occupy government accommodations even after demitting office.
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Court expresses displeasure over delay
Advocate S.S. Ahmed, appearing for the petitioner, strongly criticized the delay on part of the Estates Department, asserting that the issue has been lingering for years despite repeated judicial directions. He pointed out that the Designated Committee, headed by the IGP (CID), held its meeting on February 28, 2025, to review cases of continued government accommodation by political figures, including Azad and Raina.
However, even after seven months, the competent authority has not taken a final decision, Advocate Ahmed argued. He also recalled that the Division Bench had earlier, on May 27, 2025, warned that if the latest status report in terms of the order dated March 26, 2025, was not filed, the Chairman of the Designated Committee would be directed to appear before the Court via virtual mode.
“The Estates Department is taking the court’s directions lightly,” Ahmed submitted, noting that the Department’s updated status report filed on July 4, 2025, merely sought more time to submit final compliance.
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Final opportunity granted to Estates Department
After hearing both sides, the Division Bench, while taking note of the submissions, granted a last opportunity to the Department, represented by Dy. Advocate General Vishal Bharti (vice Sr. AAG S.S. Nanda), to file a specific and detailed affidavit reflecting the final decision and concrete measures undertaken in light of the Designated Committee’s recommendations.
The Court made it clear that no further adjournment would be granted, emphasizing that the matter concerns public resources and government accountability, and thus demands expeditious resolution.
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Public Interest and next date of hearing
The PIL, which has attracted wide public attention, was originally filed to ensure that government accommodation is not misused by former dignitaries and that such properties are vacated and reallocated according to official norms. The matter is being closely followed due to its implications for several high-profile politicians across party lines.
Taking note of the public interest involved, the Division Bench directed the Registry to re-notify the case for October 27, 2025, when the Estates Department is expected to file the affidavit outlining its final stand.
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Background of the PIL
The PIL (No. 17/2020) has been pending before the High Court for the last several years and has led to multiple judicial interventions concerning the occupation of official bungalows by ex-ministers, MLAs, and political figures long after they ceased to hold public office. The petitioner, through Advocate S.S. Ahmed, has consistently maintained that such continued occupation violates norms and deprives serving officials of legitimate entitlement to government housing.
With the Court now tightening its stance and granting what it termed the “last opportunity”, all eyes are on the Estates Department to see whether it will finally act on the Designated Committee’s recommendations or face judicial censure in the next hearing.
