High-level committee formed to fix responsibility of erring officers

Jammu, Jan 13: J&K government Saturday constituted a high-level committee to fix the responsibility on erring officers or officials for their omission or commission in handling the matter related to Hotel Sideeq Palace case.

The committee will be serviced by Divisional Commissioner, Kashmir and will furnish its report along-with recommendations to the government, within a period of one month.

Four-member high-level committee will comprise Financial Commissioner (Additional Chief Secretary), Jal Shakti Department as its chairman while Principal Secretary Estates department; Secretary Department of Law, Justice & Parliamentary Affairs and Director General (Codes), Finance department will be its members.

“Sanction is hereby accorded to the constitution of a High-Level Committee comprising these officers, in case CCP(S) No 64/2023 and WP(C) No. 170/2022 titled Hotel Sideeq Palace V/S Mr. Vijay Kumar Bidhuri and Anr.,” read an order issued by GAD Commissioner Secretary Sanjeev Verma.

As per the terms of reference, the committee will inquire into whether the procedure laid down in relevant government orders or Rules was scrupulously followed by the offices of Divisional Commissioner Kashmir and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar, while examining the legal and factual basis of claim of the petitioner

(hotelier), including the verification and confirmation of bills and vouchers submitted by the petitioner.

The committee will also probe into whether all affidavit(s) filed by the respondents in the writ petitions OWP No. 1326/2022 and WP(C) No 170/2022, titled Hotel Sideeq Palace vs. State of J&K and Ors., and in the contempt petitions were in conformity with rules or orders applicable in the case, supported by records and after observing all codal formalities.

“Besides it shall inquire into whether there is unexplained delay in seeking sanction from the Department of Law, Justice & PA for filing of LPA against Order dated November 25, 2022, passed by the Single Bench of the High Court of J&K & Ladakh at Srinagar, in WP(C) No.170/2022 c/w CCP(s) No. 92/2022, despite mandamus issued by the High Court in Para 25 of the ibid. Order and fix the responsibility on erring officers or officials for their omission or commission in handling this matter,” the order read.