Lease Documents, Rent Defaults Under Scrutiny; Several Properties in City Areas Face Action
Srinagar, September 16: The Jammu & Kashmir administration has initiated action against commercial establishments occupying Nazool land in Srinagar, with eviction notices being served on properties where occupants have allegedly failed to establish valid lease arrangements or comply with prescribed conditions.
The latest action covers several commercial properties located in different parts of Srinagar, including Kothibagh, Raj Bagh, Karan Nagar and Lal Chowk, officials said.
In a significant case concerning Kothibagh on Residency Road, the Assistant Commissioner Nazool, Srinagar, has directed the Mohi-ud-Din Trust to vacate the premises situated on Nazool/State land and hand over peaceful possession to the Estates Officer by September 21.
The eviction order has been issued under Section 5(1) of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1988.
As per the order, the property falling under Khasra Nos. 174 and 174/1 in Estate Kothibagh has been classified as public premises under the relevant law.
The occupant had earlier been served a notice under Section 4 of the Act on August 5, seeking documentary evidence to establish lawful authorisation for continued occupation of the premises.
In its response, the Trust reportedly submitted an original lease along with representations and correspondence seeking renewal of the lease. However, the authorities found that the documents submitted did not establish the existence of a valid subsisting lease or any competent order extending or renewing the earlier arrangement.
Following examination of the records, the administration ordered the premises to be vacated within the stipulated period.
The order further states that failure to comply with the direction could result in further proceedings under Section 5(2) of the Act, including eviction and taking over of possession of the public premises, without prejudice to any other action permissible under law.
Meanwhile, similar notices have reportedly been issued against other commercial properties in Raj Bagh, Karan Nagar and Lal Chowk, where authorities have flagged issues relating to occupation of Nazool land and alleged defaults in payment of rent.
One of the notices issued in Karan Nagar has cited failure by the occupant to provide a satisfactory explanation regarding rent arrears and alleged deviations from the original lease conditions, including the specified purpose for which the property had been leased.
The government action comes amid increased scrutiny of the utilisation and management of Nazool land, which constitutes government property generally allotted under lease arrangements.
According to the reported figures, commercial establishments in Srinagar and Jammu cities occupy more than 5,600 kanals of Nazool land. Across Jammu and Kashmir, the total extent of Nazool land is estimated at around 58,000 kanals, including more than 50,000 kanals in Jammu division and over 7,000 kanals in Kashmir division.
(KNC)
