SAC issues notice to J-K Minister in forest land grab case

The office shall frame Robkar and issue notices to Taj Mohi-ud-din to appear in person on the next date of hearing (December 17) to show-cause as to why proceedings for contempt of the Commission may not be initiated against him.

The two-member panel of Justice Hakim Imtiyaz Hussain and Justice Y P Nargotra further submitted in the order that no case involving Mohi-ud-din was disposed of during September 2005 by the commission at Jammu.

On November 28, 2012, the minister had issued a statement claiming that Accountability Commission in September 2005 and Vigilance Organisation, Kashmir, in the year 2011 had conveyed to the Government that no forest land was grabbed by him in Sedhav forests in Shopian district of South Kashmir.

From the above quoted reports, the statement made by Mohi-ud-din, prima facie appears to be false, which may amount to contempt of the Commission under the provisions of J-K Contempt of Courts Act 1997, the Commission order added.

The SAC further said, "the official document reveals that land grab allegations against Taj Mohi-ud-din are being probed and the organisation is yet to arrive to a final conclusion.