SRINAGAR: The High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh has revived a public interest litigation concerning the proposed construction of the High Court Complex at Raika and directed the concerned authorities to submit a status report on the steps taken towards executing the project.
A Division Bench comprising Justice Rajnesh Oswal and Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani passed the directions on August 14, 2026, while allowing an application seeking recall of an earlier order that had closed the proceedings.
The court ordered that the respondents file a status report regarding the steps taken for construction of the High Court Complex at Raika by the next date of hearing, and listed the matter for August 29, 2026.
The PIL, filed by Arjun Gandotra, a practising advocate, seeks directions to the authorities, particularly respondents 1, 2 and 7, to release and allocate the full sanctioned amount of Rs 922 crore for construction of the High Court Complex at Raika within three months. It also seeks comprehensive action taken reports from respondents 3, 4, 5 and 6 detailing the measures undertaken and timelines for implementation of the project.
The latest proceedings followed an application filed by Gandotra seeking revival of the PIL on the ground that, despite six months having passed, there was neither construction activity nor even preparatory work visible at the proposed site.
The court noted that the application was supported by an affidavit and submissions made by senior advocate Sunil Sethi, who appeared for the petitioner. Finding merit in the plea, the Bench allowed the application and recalled its order dated February 6, 2026, thereby restoring the main writ petition to its original number.
The court recorded that the PIL had earlier been closed after it took note of submissions made on behalf of respondent No. 8 that substantial progress had been made in formulating a proposal for construction of a new building for the Jammu Wing of the High Court of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh at Raika.
However, Sethi submitted that despite the passage of six months since the earlier order, “there is no visible progress on the ground”.
Upon considering the submissions, the Bench observed that a “prima facie case for issuance of notice is made out” and issued notice to the respondents.
The notices were waived by counsel appearing for the respective respondents. Senior Additional Advocate General Monika Kohli was represented by advocate Sagira Jaffar for respondents 1, 3 and 4, while Deputy Solicitor General of India Vishal Sharma, assisted by Central Government Standing Counsel Karan Sharma, appeared for respondents 2, 5, 6 and 7. Advocate Basit Manzoor Keng appeared for respondent No. 8.
The proceedings centre on the proposed High Court Complex at Raika and the implementation of the project, including allocation of the Rs 922 crore amount sought by the petitioner.
The Bench directed the respondents to place before the court details of the steps undertaken for raising the complex and fixed August 29 for further consideration of the matter.
