HC summons UT home secy over illegal occupation

Taking cognisance of non-assistance by the UT Administration in a case pertaining to alleged illegal occupation of flats by Kashmiri migrants, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has summoned the UT Home Secretary and asked him to remain present in Court on May 28. The UT Administration has also been asked to clarify its stand on the issue. The Administration has been asked to explain as to what action it has taken against those Kashmiri migrants who are occupying flats illegally in Sector 29.

Earlier this month, the UT had issued notices to Kashmiri migrants for eviction. The notices were issued after assistant labour commissioner, Jammu and Kashmir, Chandigarh, had intimated the UT estate office that the migrants were occupying the houses illegally.

On the basis of the communication, the SDM (East), exercising powers under the Public Premises Act, 1971, had issued eviction notices to residents of about 60 dwelling units. The occupants were asked to appear before the estate officer.

Responding to the notices, the Residents Welfare Association had urged UT officials to take a sympathetic view. They had said they would be left on the roads, if evicted, as they had little money to pay rent. The migrants had argued that they had been occupying the houses for many years and had all the necessary documents.

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