The Estates Department has informed the High Court that the cases related to the retention of government quarters of former Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and former BJP J&K President Ravinder Raina have been placed before a Designated Committee for recommendations.
The department, through Senior AAG S.S. Nanda, submitted a status report dated April 21, 2025, in compliance with the High Court’s March 26 directive. It stated that deliberations of the committee held on February 28 have been forwarded to the Competent Authority for final orders.
Previously, the government had sought closure of the PIL claiming most politicians, including ex-CMs Mehbooba Mufti and Omar Abdullah, had vacated the official residences. However, petitioner’s counsel Advocate S.S. Ahmed argued that exceptions like Azad and Raina defy the principle of uniformity in law, stressing that nearly 200 politicians have already been evicted.
He also cited a 2022 HC order rejecting former MP Ch. Lal Singh’s plea, underlining that security concerns and eligibility for government housing are separate matters. The court had then imposed a Rs 25,000 cost on Singh for misusing legal provisions.
The PIL is scheduled for next hearing on May 27, when the High Court is expected to assess the latest report from the Estates Department. [KNT]
