Srinagar, Jan 13: In a significant development for healthcare infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, the Court of the District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar has dismissed appeals filed by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) against an eviction order issued by Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS), Soura — paving the way for recovery of eight kanals of land earmarked for critical medical facilities.
The land, spread over survey numbers 326 min, 328 min and 3179 min, was leased to BSNL Kashmir in September 1982 for a term of 40 years, which expired in September 2022. Officials said the lease was not renewed given the pressing requirement of the land for ongoing and proposed expansion projects at SKIMS.
After BSNL continued to occupy the premises post-expiry, the SKIMS Estates Officer, Prof. Ghulam Hassan Yatoo, issued an eviction notice followed by a formal eviction order on February 29, 2024, directing the telecom operator to vacate the site. BSNL subsequently challenged the order under Section 12 of the J&K Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Act, 1988.
Following detailed hearings and record examination, the appellate court on January 8, 2026, dismissed BSNL’s appeals and vacated the interim stay granted in March 2024, thereby enabling immediate execution of the eviction order.
SKIMS officials told news agency Kashmir News Trust that the repossession of the land clears the way for long-pending expansion works, including establishment of a cardiac centre, neuro-sciences wing, emergency block and other specialised units critical to patient care. They described the ruling as an important step in safeguarding public assets and strengthening tertiary health services in the region.
(AI generated representative image)
