A Division Bench of the Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court dismissed an appeal asserting grazing rights over Dhar Rantlu.
Judge / Bench — Hon’ble Mr. Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Hon’ble Mr. Justice MA Chowdhary, Judges
Although an earlier inspection favoured the appellants, a more comprehensive verification found that they lacked permits for that pasture. The later report, the private respondents’ permits and the recognised permit-holder’s affidavit supported the forest authorities’ conclusion. The Bench found no basis to disturb the Single Judge’s dismissal. It nevertheless preserved the appellants’ right to seek a fresh grant from the competent Forest Department authority, to be considered under the applicable norms. The case illustrates the importance of linking documentary permits to the particular grazing area and testing competing inspection reports; permission to apply afresh does not recognise an existing right or promise a future grant.
Case — Kuldeep Kumar and another v. UT of J&K and others · LPA No. 14/2025 in WP(C) No. 2191/2021 · 2026-10-13 · Jammu wing
Advocates appearing — Appellants — Mr. Naveen Sharma, Advocate. Respondents 1–4 — Ms. Meenakshi Slathia, Dy. AG. Respondents 5–9 — Mr. Sushail Chandel, Advocate.