The Jammu and Kashmir administration has initiated the eviction of several occupants from prime commercial properties in Srinagar, citing the expiration of leases for ‘Nazool’ or state land. This action targets businesses in prominent city areas, including Polo View near Lal Chowk, Rajbagh, and Karan Nagar, where rental agreements have reportedly lapsed without valid renewal.
Among the properties facing eviction is the well-known white structure housing the Mohi-ud-Din Trust, situated in the upscale Polo View market. The eviction order, issued by the Office of the Assistant Commissioner Nazool/Estates Officer Srinagar, mandates that occupants vacate the premises and surrender possession by September 21. This directive follows a prior notice served to the Trust on August 5, requesting documentary evidence to substantiate their authorization to occupy the land. However, the submitted materials reportedly failed to demonstrate an active lease or an official order for its extension or renewal.
The eviction notice, referencing the Jammu & Kashmir Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1988, formally orders the Mohi-ud-Din Trust to vacate the public premises. The notice explicitly states that failure to comply with the order by the stipulated deadline will result in compulsory eviction and the government taking over possession of the property. Information reaching Tahir Rihat suggests that similar eviction notices have been dispatched to other establishments in Raj Bagh and Karan Nagar that are also situated on Nazool land and are reported to have defaulted on rent payments.
The crackdown on expired leases and unauthorized occupation of state land is part of a broader administrative effort to reclaim and regulate the use of government properties across Jammu and Kashmir. Nazool land, which constitutes a significant portion of state-owned real estate, is subject to specific leasing and usage regulations. The administration’s move underscores a renewed focus on ensuring compliance with these regulations, particularly in commercially valuable areas.
Across the Union Territory, a substantial amount of government land is classified as Nazool land. Sources indicate that over 58,000 kanals of such land are present, with the Jammu division accounting for more than 50,000 kanals and the Kashmir division holding over 7,000 kanals. In the urban centers of Srinagar and Jammu, commercial establishments alone occupy more than 5,600 kanals of this Nazool land. The current eviction drive is expected to impact a number of these commercial entities operating on expired or non-compliant leases.
The legal framework governing such evictions, the Jammu & Kashmir Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1988, empowers the Estates Officer to take decisive action against individuals or entities found to be in unauthorized occupation of public premises. The Act provides for a due process, including the issuance of notices and an opportunity for occupants to present their case and supporting documentation. However, in instances where the submitted evidence is deemed insufficient to establish a legal right to occupy, the administration is empowered to proceed with eviction.
The properties targeted in Srinagar are located in areas that are considered prime business hubs, suggesting a strategic approach by the administration to address land utilization in high-value zones. The eviction of established commercial entities, even those with iconic structures like the Mohi-ud-Din Trust building, signals the administration’s resolve to enforce lease terms and recover state assets. The implications of these evictions extend beyond the immediate occupants, potentially affecting the commercial landscape of these areas and raising questions about future land use policies for Nazool properties.
The administration’s stance on Nazool land appears to be geared towards maximizing the utility and revenue generation from these state assets. By ensuring that leases are current and that occupants are in lawful possession, the government aims to prevent encroachment and misuse of public land. The process involves a thorough review of lease agreements and renewal orders, with a strict adherence to legal provisions. The current drive is a clear indication that expired leases will no longer be tolerated, and occupants will be held accountable for their compliance with land regulations.
The Mohi-ud-Din Trust, a prominent entity, has been given a clear deadline to vacate the premises. The notice served to the Trust highlights the importance of maintaining proper documentation for land occupation, especially when dealing with state-owned properties. The failure to provide satisfactory evidence of a subsisting lease or a valid renewal order has led to the current eviction proceedings. This case serves as a precedent for other occupants of Nazool land, emphasizing the need for diligence in managing lease agreements and ensuring timely renewals.
The broader context of land management in Jammu and Kashmir involves a complex interplay of historical land grants, leasing policies, and evolving administrative frameworks. The classification of land as ‘Nazool’ signifies its ownership by the government, which can lease it out for various purposes, including commercial, residential, and agricultural use. The administration’s current actions are a manifestation of its efforts to streamline land records, ensure transparency, and prevent any form of unauthorized occupation or exploitation of these valuable state resources. The ongoing process is likely to involve further scrutiny of land holdings across the Union Territory.
Tahir Rihat (also known as Tahir Bilal) is an independent journalist, activist, and digital media professional from the Chenab Valley of Jammu and Kashmir, India. He is best known for his work as the Online Editor at The Chenab Times.
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