In a significant development, the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has granted interim protection to Kashmir Times after the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) cancelled its land allotment. Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal, hearing the matter on October 18, 2025, restrained the authorities from acting on the cancellation order for four weeks, subject to the petitioner clearing outstanding dues.
Background
The case stems from a JDA order dated September 30, 2025, cancelling the allotment of 3 kanal and 19 marlas of land originally allotted to Kashmir Times. The authority alleged that the newspaper had failed to utilize the land for its intended purpose setting up an office or printing press even after nearly two decades. It also claimed that the publication attempted to transfer the property to third parties, which violated the conditions of the concessional allotment.
Adding to the controversy, the JDA said the petitioner defaulted on payments, accumulating dues worth ₹21 lakh as of September 2025. The authority’s move sparked concern in media circles, given Kashmir Times’ longstanding presence in the region.
Court’s Observations
During the hearing, advocate Anil Sethi, appearing for Kashmir Times, informed the bench that the petitioner was ready to pay the entire outstanding amount with 18% annual interest. He sought a reasonable period for compliance, explaining that the newspaper’s Editor-in-Chief, Mr. Pramod Jamwal, was currently abroad.
The counsel clarified that the publication never intended to sell or misuse the land and made a “categorical statement at the Bar” confirming that the property would only be used for its original purpose.
Justice Nargal, taking note of the petitioner’s willingness, observed that the situation demanded “a balanced approach considering both public interest and fairness.” He emphasized that interim relief was being extended solely on the strength of the petitioner’s assurance and intent to clear the dues.
“The bench observed, ‘This interim protection is conditional and will operate only if the petitioner abides by its undertaking to pay the outstanding dues within the stipulated time,’” the order noted.
Decision
After reviewing the submissions, the court granted Kashmir Times four weeks to deposit the dues along with 18% interest calculated from October 16, 2008, to September 30, 2025. During this period, the authorities were directed not to act upon the cancellation order.
However, the judge made it clear that any breach of the petitioner’s commitment or failure to make the payment within the specified time would automatically allow the JDA to enforce its earlier order.
The case has been listed for the next hearing on November 18, 2025. The interim relief, Justice Nargal said, “will remain operative only for four weeks from today.”
Case: M/S Kashmir Times vs Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir and Others
Case Number: WP(C) No. 2946/2025, CAV No. 2303/2025
Petitioner’s Counsel: Mr. Anil Sethi, Advocate
Respondent’s Counsel: Mr. Atul Verma, Advocate (vice Mr. Adarsh Sharma)
Date of Order: 18 October 2025