J&K High Court Seeks Fresh Report on Encroachments by Religious Institutions in Kashmir
It directed the Divisional Commissioner to apprise it of the steps taken or proposed to be taken by the UT administration to deal with such encroachments.
The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh perused the status report filed by Divisional Commissioner Kashmir on encroachments and directed him to file a fresh affidavit showing, if any, encroachments made on public streets, public parks and other public places, belonging to the government and constructed in the name of religious institutions/
Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar (acting Chief Justice) and Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani passed the directions while hearing a suo motu case taken on record on encroachments.
“The respondent Divisional Commissioner…has submitted a status report listing the areas encroached upon State,Kahcharai and Shamilat Deh land for construction of places of worship including mosques,temples,chur and gurdwaras…” the High Court noted.
“In compliance of this Court’s order dated 8th July, 20 26 read with order dated 4th November, 20 25, the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir has filed the status report(enlisting of the encroachments made on the State/Kahcharai/Shamilat Deh land etc. )for raising the construction of places of worship by different religions in the Kashmir Division. Various mosques, temples, churches and gurdwaras are constructed on the said encroached upon land”, the High Court observed.
“The Divisional Commissioner has not clearly identified/pointed out if any encroachments were made in the name of temple/church/mosque/gurdwara on public streets/public parks/other public places”, the Court observed.
It further noted that “…the respondent Divisional Commissioner has not pointed out/given details of the steps if any taken or proposed to be taken by the Union Territory administration to deal with the existing encroachments and prevent the future recurrences thereof.”
The Court sought details of steps taken or proposed to be taken by the Union Territory Administration to deal with such encroachments.
A detailed affidavit in the matter is sought to be filed by the Divisional Commissioner in six weeks.
The Court noted that the compliance report placed on behalf of Ladakh has revealed that no religious institutions had encroached upon public streets/public parks/other public places in Ladakh.
The matter would be heard next on October 12.
