Delhi HC rejects Payal Abdullah's plea seeking Govt. accommodation

The Delhi High Court on Friday dismissed Omar Abdullah's estranged wife Payal Abdullah's plea seeking to retain the official residence or an alternate government accommodation on security grounds.

Quashing the appeal, a Bench of Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice V. K. Rao said, "When Omar Abdullah has shifted to a private accommodation, then there is no reason as to why the appellants (Payal and her sons) can be treated differently. We do not see any merit in the appeal. The same is dismissed."

On June 30, Payal had sought quashing of the eviction notice issued by the Estate Officer of the Jammu and Kashmir government for vacating Bungalow no. 7 on Akbar Road.

However, Payal failed to get any relief from a Delhi court which directed her to vacate the bungalow in Lutyen's Zone where she has been living since 1999.

On the last date of hearing on August 12, the High Court had extended till August 16th the interim protection from eviction granted on July 12.

However, on August 16 when the matter came before Justice Indermeet Kaur, Payal's counsel sought an adjournment and it was re-notified for hearing on August 19.

She had also approached the trial court seeking stay of the June 30 eviction order issued by the estate officer of the state of Jammu and Kashmir, contending that the order was passed without allowing her to lead evidence and without granting her any personal hearing.

While Payal enjoys a 'Z' category security cover, each of her sons has 'Z' plus security, comprising of a total 94 personnel.

She has claimed that so many personnel, their weapons and other security arrangements cannot be accommodated at her private flat in the city.