Srinagar, Apr 12 (KNO): The High Court has sought information from Jammu & Kashmir government about manpower and expenditure involved in the bi-annual practice of Darbar Move to take a considered view on pleas for postponing the exercise in the wake of outbreak of deadly coronavirus.
As per wire service—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), a two-judge bench comprising Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice Rajnesh Oswal has sought reports from different departments about the personnel involved in Darbar Move and its financial implications.
“In order to enable a considered view to be taken, it is necessary to have firm information with regard to the implications of the Darbar Move in these times; its impact on the necessary resources at this stage; on the personnel involved (positions and number); financial implications; arrangements (transport, accommodation, security etc.) involved and other relevant matters. Past experience would lend guidance to our consideration,” reads the High Court’s order, as per KNO.
The Court has directed the Secretary, General Administration Department to provide details of the government officials at all levels(position/category-wise) who were involved in the four Darbar Moves in the year 2018 and 2019.
It has also directed Secretary, Finance Department to provide figures of the finances incurred on the four Darbar Moves for the years 2018 and 2019. It has also sought details of the financial benefits (Move Allowance, Temporary Move Allowance and any other) admissible to these employees.
The Director General of Police has been directed to provide the details of the police personnel who were involved in providing security cover to personnel involved in the Darbar Moves in 2018 as well as 2019.
He has also been asked to provide information about number of police personnel who have been detailed on COVID-19 related issues and duties in Srinagar.
The Secretary Estate Department has been directed to provide information of the rate- wise and total expenses which were incurred in hiring facilities for making available accommodation to the personnel who had to make the four moves between Jammu and Srinagar (and vice versa) in 2018 and 2019.
Appearing for a petitioner, advocate Syed Faisal Qadri submitted that the exercise shall be postponed till COVID-19 infection issues are addressed and the matter is under full control with mobility restored after removal of lockdown.
As per KNO, he submitted that the COVID-19 infection is spreading at an extremely fast pace in the Kashmir Valley, especially in Srinagar City itself and that the current infected tally has reached over 150 persons.
He submitted that Darbar Move would put an unbearable strain on all facilities in the Valley and therefore could deeply endanger the health and even lives of the locals as also of the large number of persons who would be required to move from Jammu.
Advocate Shafqat Nazir submitted that effecting the Darbar Move at this stage would be at a huge expense which is completely unwarranted and results in unnecessary squandering of financial resources of the government—(KNO)