In a significant development, the High Court has stayed the eviction notices issued by the government against former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azim Mattu. The court has sought a response from the authorities by the next date.
The eviction notices were issued by the Deputy Director Estates Department Srinagar, directing Mattu to vacate the government-allotted premises by September 11, 2024. However, Mattu challenged these notices in his petition, arguing that he has been occupying the premises since April 2019 without proper authorization.
On September 10, 2024, the District Magistrate Srinagar upheld the eviction notice against the former mayor. The High Court’s stay order came a day later, providing temporary relief to Mattu.
In his open letter to the Lieutenant Governor of Jammu and Kashmir, Mattu stated that upon eviction, he will seek the uniform application of the law to other occupants as a precedent, even if it means going to the Supreme Court.
The High Court’s decision to stay the eviction and seek a response from the authorities highlights the legal complexities surrounding this case. The outcome of this matter will set a precedent for similar cases in the future.