PIL regarding eviction of encroachers on Forest Land DB directs to file fresh repor

Jammu November-21-2023- In a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by inhabitants of village Hari seeking direction to the respondents to initiate eviction proceedings against those who have encroached kanals of forest land falling in Compartment 51-A at village Hari in Surankote tehsil.

A Division Bench of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court Comprising Acting Chief Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice MA Chowdhary, directed to file Fresh report, without fail, particularly with reference to action taken to evict the encroachers other than 13 (thirteen) which are stated to have been evicted.

It is worthwhile to mention here that on November 8, 2021 When the PIL came-up for hearing, Division Bench observed, “in this PIL it has come on record that there are 127 encroachers of the forest land as have been identified by the Forest Department. Accordingly, directions were issued to the Senior Superintendent of Police, Poonch to provide requisite support to ensure eviction of these encroachers from the forest land”. JNF