High Court Calls for Report on Dal Lake Preservation Case
The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has recently requested a progress report on a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) initiated in 2002 aimed at the preservation and conservation of Dal Lake. This ongoing case, Syed Iqbal Tahir Geelani V/s State of J&K, has been under judicial scrutiny for an extensive period, spanning over 24 years.
Judges Demand Updated Information
A Division Bench consisting of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani noted the prolonged pendency of the case and the various judicial orders issued over the years to ameliorate the condition of Dal Lake. The court has now directed the amicus curiae to submit a “brief factual note” summarizing the current status of the case.
In a court order dated July 2, the Bench stated, “This Public Interest Litigation has been pending in this Court for the last 24 years and many developments have taken place. There are multiple orders passed from time to time, including those relating to improving the condition of the Dal Lake.”
Amicus Curiae Tasked with Submission
Senior Advocate ZA Shah, serving as the amicus curiae, has been asked to file the detailed factual note by August 31. The Bench expressed the necessity for a comprehensive understanding of the litigation’s progression and the remaining steps needed to address the matter effectively.
“With a view to having a complete perspective of the litigation, we request the learned Amicus Curiae to put up a brief factual note indicating as to how this public interest litigation has proceeded and what more is required to be done in the matter,” the Bench remarked.
More Read
Case Background and Legal Representation
Initiated by Syed Iqbal Tahir Geelani in 2002, the PIL seeks judicial intervention to safeguard and restore Dal Lake, a crucial ecological and cultural site in Srinagar. Senior Advocate ZA Shah, accompanied by advocate Ahra Syed, is representing the interests of the lake. Additionally, Senior Advocate Altaf Naik, along with advocate Zia Ahmad, is involved in a related case concerning the petitioner, while Advocate Ifra Meelad represents an applicant linked to the case.
