J&K High Court Demands Updated Report on Religious Encroachments in Kashmir

The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has issued a directive to the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir to submit a new affidavit detailing any encroachments by religious institutions on public streets, parks, and public spaces. This order comes in the context of a suo motu case concerning the illegal occupation of public land [In Re Suo motu Proceedings V/s State of J&K].

The bench, which includes Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Mohammad Yousuf Wani, issued these instructions after reviewing a status report submitted by the Divisional Commissioner. The report identified encroachments on state land, Kahcharai land, and Shamilat Deh land, where religious buildings such as mosques, temples, churches, and gurdwaras have been constructed.

“In compliance with the order dated July 8, 2026, and read alongside the order dated November 4, 2025, the Divisional Commissioner of Kashmir has filed a report listing encroachments on State/Kahcharai/Shamilat Deh lands for the construction of religious sites in the Kashmir Division. These include mosques, temples, churches, and gurdwaras,” noted the High Court.

However, the Court expressed concerns over the lack of clarity regarding encroachments on public streets, parks, or other public areas by these religious entities. Furthermore, the Court observed that the Divisional Commissioner had not detailed any measures taken by the Union Territory administration to address existing encroachments or to prevent future ones. Consequently, the Court has requested information on the actions taken or planned by the administration.

The Divisional Commissioner has been given a six-week deadline to file a comprehensive affidavit. Meanwhile, the Court noted that compliance reports from the Ladakh region confirmed that there are no religious encroachments on public streets, parks, or other public places.