Trace UT statement in Vaishno Devi stampede case: High Court

Jammu, August 13

A Division Bench of the High Court of J&K and Ladakh has directed the Registry of the court to scan and attach the statement of facts filed by the UT administration in the incident on January 1, 2022, in which 12 pilgrims at Vaishno Devi shrine were killed in a stampede.

The Division Bench gave direction through virtual mode to the Registry in the much publicized PIL seeking disclosure of the report submitted by the 3-member inquiry committee constituted by the J&K administration, which was assigned the task to examine in detail the causes behind the stampede at the Vaishno Devi shrine. The Division Bench observed that the statement of facts filed by GAD Secretary is not on record nor has it been scanned. However, government advocate Eishaan Dad submitted that he has filed the statement of facts on July 9, 2024.

The Division Bench after considering the submissions of both the sides, directed the Registry to trace out, scan and attach the statement of facts with the contempt petition. Looking into the importance of the matter, the Division Bench directed the Registry to re-notify the instant contempt petition on September 18, 2024. — OC