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Jammu and Kashmir High Court Seeks Fresh Report on Religious on Public Streets
Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani Pass the Order
In a significant move to reclaim public spaces, the has directed the to submit a fresh, detailed regarding unauthorized religious structures on public streets, parks, and other public places across the Kashmir Valley. The August 18 order came during proceedings in .
The Missing Piece in the
The court had earlier called for a on by places of worship. On , the Divisional Commissioner filed a report listing structures—mosques, temples, churches, and gurdwaras—built on State, Kahcharai (grazing land), and Shamilat Deh (village common) land. However, the bench observed a critical gap: the report did not specify whether any of these structures had encroached upon public streets, parks, or other public spaces.
“The Divisional Commissioner… has not clearly indicated the , if any, made in the name of Temples, Churches, Mosques or Gurdwaras, etc. on public streets, public parks or other public places,” the court noted.
What the Court Demanded
Discontented with the omission, the bench ordered a comprehensive that must: - Clearly list any on public streets, parks, and other public places. - Detail steps taken by the to remove existing . - Outline preventive measures to stop future .
Assisting counsel , appearing for the respondents, requested six weeks to file the detailed , which was granted.
A Contrast from Ladakh
Interestingly, the from the Union Territory of Ladakh offered a clean slate, stating that no religious institution has encroached upon public streets, parks, or public places in the region. The court noted this with approval.
Next Hearing
The matter is now scheduled to be heard alongside on , in the . A copy of the order has been placed with that pending petition.
Key Observations
In its directive, the court emphasized the need for transparency and accountability: - “Let a fresh on be filed by the Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir, indicating clearly the , if any, found to have been made on public streets, public parks or other public places in the name of Temples, Churches, Mosques or Gurdwaras.” - “He shall also indicate clearly the steps taken by the to remove such and also to prevent such in future.”
The proceedings were assisted by Deputy Solicitor General , advocates , and . The court made it clear that the administration must act decisively to reclaim public spaces and prevent future violations.
