Srinagar, September 23: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has taken serious note of the alleged non-compliance of its earlier directions in a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning alleged illegal waste dumping and a sludge treatment facility at Newa in Pulwama.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Pushpendra Singh Bhati and Justice Rajnesh Oswal issued bailable warrants of ₹10,000 each against three senior officials after they failed to comply with the Court’s directions.
The warrants have been issued against the Deputy Commissioner, Pulwama; Chief Executive Officer, Municipal Council, Pulwama; and Member Secretary, J&K Pollution Control Board.
According to the proceedings, the Court had on August 4, 2026, granted the officials a “last and final opportunity” to comply with its directions, including filing the requisite affidavits. However, the officials allegedly neither submitted the required affidavits nor appeared personally before the Bench.
Taking a stern view of the matter, the High Court described the conduct as “complete non-compliance” with its earlier order.
The Bench has directed the concerned Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) to execute the bailable warrants and ensure the personal presence of the three officials before the Court on the next date of hearing.
The PIL relates to allegations concerning an illegal waste dumping site and sludge treatment facility at Newa, Pulwama, with the petition raising issues regarding alleged violations of environmental norms and applicable statutory provisions.
The latest directions underline the Court’s insistence on compliance with judicial orders and accountability of concerned authorities in matters involving environmental safeguards and public interest.(KNC)
