Restoration of Mubarak Mandi Complex
Jammu March-31-2023: In a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Th. Chatter Singh in respect of Mubarak Mandi Royal Dogra Palace Jammu which is a historical and a heritage monument. The petitioner in his litigation sought aforesaid monument to be restored and that the record available therein be digitised.
A Division Bench of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court Comprising Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Rajesh Sekri observed that the present Public Interest Litigation (PIL, for short) pertains to MUBARAK MANDI ROYAL DOGRA PALACES COMPLEX declared as historical/protected monument under the Jammu and Kashmir Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1977 (for short, the Act of 1977). Petitioner seeks mandamus to the respondents for preservation of the monument by releasing sufficient funds for restoration of its natural beauty and grandeur within time frame by engaging multiple agencies.
DB observed that vide order dated 28.11.2017, it was noted by this Court that only 10% of the restoration work seems to have been completed in 11 years and about 12 lacs pages of the archives are still to be digitized. On 13.03.2018, the respondents furnished a copy of the project timeline for restoration of the aforesaid monument and as per the said timeline, it appeared that the entire work would be completed by 31.03.2023.
DB further observed that we are in March, 2023 and it appears from the various orders passed by this Court from time to time that work is going on at snail pace. It is a matter of serious concern that the concerned authorities have not exhibited the requisite seriousness for completion of the monument.
In view of the above, DB proposes to visit the site on 03.04.2023 at 1:30 p.m. to have on the spot information about the state of affairs and the developmental progress.
DB directed that a copy of this order be furnished to the concerned authorities as also the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu under seal and signatures of the Bench Secretary to remain present during the visit. JNF