Illegal constructions at Patnitop: DB directs for retrieving entire encroached land

STATE TIMES NEWS

JAMMU: A Division Bench of J&K High Court, comprising Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Sindhu Sharma on Wednesday directed Revenue, Environment and Forests, and Patnitop Development Authority to forthwith take steps for retrieval of the land which is in encroachment.
The DB further directed that steps shall be taken by the concerned authority for removal of all illegal and unauthorised constructions as well in accordance with law.
The directions came in a PIL filed by Harcharan Singh, a Hotelier/Owner of Krystal Hotel and Restaurant at Patnitop, seeking demolition of illegal/unauthorised buildings raised in Green Buffer Areas of Patnitop, in which Division Bench on December 31, 2019 directed CBI to conduct indepth enquiry within two months
DB further directed to file Action Taken report within six weeks failing which Chief Executive Officer, Patnitop Development Authority; Secretary, Department of Revenue; and Commissioner/ Secretary, Department of Forest, Ecology and Environment Department shall remain present in person.
During the course of hearing Adv Monika Kohli appearing for CBI submitted that during the investigation, the CBI has examined more than 45 persons including revenue officials and investigations are at an advanced stage. Upon this Division Bench directed to file Action Taken report before next date of hearing.