Srinagar: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has issued bailable warrants of ₹10,000 each against the Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama, and two other officials for failing to comply with its earlier directions in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning the proposed Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant (FSTP) and alleged illegal dumping of waste at Newa village in Pulwama district.
The PIL, filed by Sheikh Ghulam Rasool, seeks directions to stop the construction, installation, establishment and operation of the FSTP and the alleged waste dumping site at Newa, contending that the activities are in violation of environmental norms, rules and other applicable laws.
The petitioner has also sought immediate directions for shifting the material allegedly dumped at Newa to a nearby legally established recycling facility.
Besides, the PIL seeks compensation for the inhabitants of Newa village for the alleged environmental nuisance caused by the dumping of waste and the consequential damage.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Dr Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rajnesh Oswal, while hearing the matter, noted that its order dated August 4 had not been complied with.
The court had granted a “last and final opportunity” to the Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama; Chief Executive Officer, Municipal Council, Pulwama; and Member Secretary, J&K Pollution Control Board, Raj Bagh, Srinagar, to file separate affidavits within four weeks.
The officials had also been directed to appear personally in case of failure to comply with the court’s directions.
However, the court observed that neither the affidavits had been filed nor had the officials appeared in person.
Taking note of the non-compliance, the court observed that the failure amounted to “complete disobedience” of its August 4 order and directed issuance of bailable warrants of ₹10,000 each to secure the officials’ presence before the court.
The warrants have been directed to be executed through the concerned Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP).
The matter has been listed for further hearing on October 5.
