J-K HC Directs For CBI Probe Into Illegal Constructions At Patnitop

Taking note of illegal constructions at the famous hill resort of Patnitop, Jammu and Kashmir High Court has directed the CBI to conduct an in depth inquiry into the matter and submit a preliminary status report within eight weeks.
A division bench of Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Rajesh Bindal issued the order on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Harcharan Singh, owner of Krystal Hotel and Restaurant at Patnitop seeking demolition of the illegal or unauthorized buildings raised in green buffer areas of the hill resort, 110 kms from here.

“It is a fit case for enquiry by the Central Bureau of Investigation which is required to go into all aspects of the matter, including the manner in which the building permissions and licences have been granted within the jurisdiction of the Patnitop Development Authority,” the division bench said in its order on Tuesday.

It said the CBI was required to examine the aspect of encroachment on forest land and other public land, illegal change of use and misuse of the land in violation of the permitted user, raising of illegal constructions, failure of the authorities to take action, and fix the responsibility of the persons who were at the helm of affairs.

“We, therefore, direct that this order be placed before the Director, CBI, who shall appoint a senior officer not below the rank of Superintendent of Police to conduct an in depth enquiry into the misuse of power and authority for any reason and violations of law.

“On conclusion of the enquiry, the CBI shall register case(s) in accordance with law against person(s) found culpable, proceed with the investigation as well as prosecution,” the order reads.

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