STATE TIMES NEWS
Jammu: In a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by Th. Chatter Singh in respect of Mubarak Mandi Royal Dogra Palace Jammu, which is a historical and a heritage monument, wherein restoration of monument was sought along with digitalization of available record, a Division Bench of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court comprising Justice Tashi Rabstan and Justice Rajesh Sekri observed that the present Public Interest Litigation (PIL, for short) pertains to Mubarak Mandi Royal Dogra Palaces Complex declared as historical/protected monument under the Jammu and Kashmir Ancient Monuments Preservation Act, 1977 (for short, the Act of 1977). Petitioner seeks mandamus to the respondents for preservation of the monument by releasing sufficient funds for restoration of its natural beauty and grandeur within time frame by engaging multiple agencies.
DB observed that vide order dated 28.11.2017, it was noted by this Court that only 10 per cent of the restoration work seems to have been completed in 11 years and about 12 lakh pages of the archives are still to be digitized. On March 13, 2018, the respondents furnished a copy of the project timeline for restoration of the aforesaid monument and as per the said timeline, it appeared that the entire work would be completed by March 31, 2023. DB further observed that it appears from the various orders passed by this Court from time to time that work is going on at snail pace. It is a matter of serious concern that the concerned authorities have not exhibited the requisite seriousness for completion of the monument. As such, DB proposed to visit the site on April 3, 2023 at 1:30 PM to have on the spot information about the state of affairs and the developmental progress. DB directed that a copy of this order be furnished to the concerned authorities as also the Divisional Commissioner, Jammu under seal and signatures of the Bench Secretary to remain present during the visit.