Kashmir Pen News Bureau
Srinagar, Sept 9: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has directed the Union Territory administration to consider allotting suitable accommodation to the Press Club of Kashmir for its functioning.
Justice Javed Iqbal Wani issued the order while hearing a petition filed by the Press Club through its president, Mohammad Saleem Pandit. The petitioner submitted that the Club, registered as a society, was allotted a building at Polo View Srinagar in 2019 along with ₹50 lakh financial assistance from the government.
In 2021, however, the authorities asked the Press Club to vacate the Polo View premises, assuring that alternate accommodation would be provided. The petitioner’s counsel argued that despite repeated representations, including to the Chief Minister, no alternate facility has been allotted so far.
Admitting the petition, the court issued notice to the UT administration, Chief Secretary, and other respondents, directing them to file their response within four weeks.
“In the meantime, respondents are directed to effectively consider the claim of the petitioner for providing alternate premises for running its affairs,” the court order reads.
The case will be taken up again on October 7, 2025. | Kashmir Pen
