In a brief yet significant development, the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court at Jammu on Friday (October 18, 2025) directed its Registry to summon records from the office of the Financial Commissioner (Revenue) before proceeding further in a petition filed by Anjum-E-Imamia. The case revolves around allegations of procedural unfairness in a revenue matter where the petitioner claimed that one of the respondents was denied an opportunity to present his case.
Background
The petitioner, represented by Advocate S. S. Katoch, approached the High Court challenging an order allegedly issued without giving due hearing to respondent No. 4. The dispute, though technical in nature, touches upon the fairness of proceedings before the Financial Commissioner under the Jammu & Kashmir Agrarian Reforms framework.
According to the petitioner’s counsel, the authority had issued the impugned order despite proper service of notice to the respondent, thereby violating the basic tenets of natural justice. “The rights of the petitioner have been severely prejudiced,” counsel argued during the hearing.
The State, represented by Ms. Chetna Manhas, assisting Senior Additional Advocate General Mrs. Monika Kohli, appeared for the respondents Nos. 1, 3, and 4. She accepted notice on their behalf and sought time to file a detailed response.
Court’s Observations
Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, who presided over the matter, noted that fairness in administrative and quasi-judicial proceedings forms the cornerstone of any decision-making process. The Court seemed mindful of the petitioner’s contention that procedural safeguards were overlooked.
“The bench observed, ‘Since allegations pertain to denial of opportunity and procedural irregularity, this Court deems it proper to call for the original record before proceeding further.’” This step, though procedural, indicates the Court’s intention to ensure transparency and verify the claims independently rather than relying solely on oral submissions.
The bench also referred to a related case Qasim Ali vs. Regional Director, Survey and Land Records, Chenab Valley (Doda) decided by the Financial Commissioner on August 18, 2025, directing that the scanned record of that matter (File No. 1378/FC-AP) be produced before it.
Decision
After hearing both sides briefly, the Court ordered that notice be issued to the remaining respondents within two weeks. It granted three weeks’ time to the government side to file their response and fixed November 14, 2025, as the next date of hearing.
Importantly, the Court decided to defer any interim relief for the time being, noting that such directions would be considered only after examining the record and responses from all concerned.
With that, Justice Nargal concluded the brief order, setting the stage for a more detailed examination of the matter next month.
Case: Anjum-E-Imamia vs Financial Commissioner (Revenue), Jammu & Kashmir
Case No.: WP(C) No. 2945/2025
Date of Order: 18 October 2025
Next Hearing Date: 14 November 2025