Sr BJP leader is directed to demolish illegally raised construction within 5 days
Jammu Tawi, Nov 10:
The Jammu Development Authority (JDA) has served a notice to the former Speaker of erstwhile J&K Legislative Assembly, Dr Nirmal Singh and his wife Smt Mamta Singh directing them to remove illegally constructed house within five days failing which the Enforcement staff of JDA shall demolish the same.
Dr Nirmal Singh had also served a stint as the Deputy Chief Minister and Housing and Urban Development Minister that headed the JDA during 2015-17 in the PDP-BJP coalition government- the period when the house was under construction.
The demolition notice JDA/BOCA/A/1271-76 dated 08-12-2021 served upon Dr Nirmal Singh and his wife under section 7 (3) of Building Operation Control Act, 1988, reads that Singh has not obtained the valid permission from the competent authority as prescribed under law.
“Now, therefore in exercise if power conferred under section 7 (3) Control of Building Operation Act, 1988 read with Resolution No. JDA/CTP/BPC/26-B dated: 06-10-2007 of the Building Operations Controlling Authority Jammu Local Area you are hereby directed to remove the illegal construction on your own level within five days from the date of issuance of the order,” reads the notice.
“If you fail to remove the illegal construction with the stipulated period of time the same shall be demolished by the enforcement wing of JDA and the cost of removal shall be recovered from you as arrears of land revenue,” the notice further reads.
Singh and his family moved into their new bungalow near the Army’s ammunition sub-depot at village Ban of Nagrota at the ridge on Tawi tributary last year, even though the high court had in May 2018 directed the authorities to ensure “strict implementation” of a 2015 notification barring the general public from carrying out any construction within 1,000 yards of defence works.
Sources close to the senior BJP leader said that since the matter is sub-judiced, so the future course of action is being discussed with legal advisors.
The J&K High Court on May 7, 2018, had asked all parties concerned to maintain the status quo until the final disposition of an Army plea which has claimed that the building was in violation of laid down norms.
Raising security and safety concerns in view of the building’s proximity to an ammunition depot, the Centre had filed two petitions before the high court. During the controversy, Singh had earlier claimed it was a political conspiracy against him.
