Jammu: The Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court has directed the Union Territory administration to conduct elections for the post of Lambardar in several villages within three months.
This order comes in response to petitions filed by residents demanding that these positions be filled through proper electoral processes rather than temporary appointments.
Justice Rajnesh Oswal issued the directive while disposing of a batch of petitions, including Kabal Singh vs UT of J&K & Ors [WP(C) No. 549/2023 and connected matters]. Petitioners, represented by Advocate K.L. Pandita, sought elections for vacant Lambardar posts in their respective villages. The respondents were represented by Senior Additional Advocate General Monika Kohli.
The court instructed the administration to complete the elections within three months of receiving the order. It also ordered the release of any pending arrears or remuneration owed to the petitioners.
In a related matter, the court addressed the petition Talib Hussain vs UT of J&K & Ors [WP(C) No. 505/2023], where the appointment of a temporary Lambardar for Village Mulass Kalwa in Mahore tehsil, Reasi district, was challenged for violating the J&K Lambardari Act, 1972. The court noted that the appointment was for a fixed term and similarly ordered the administration to hold regular elections for the post within three months.
