Clash between DDC Member and rival Political Group over road inauguration at Kastigarh, Doda

HC stays filing of Challan against DDC Member, son

24/01/2026

Jammu, Jan 23: In a significant order, Vacation Judge of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh High Court at Jammu Wing, Justice Rajesh Sekhri of the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh at Jammu has stayed the filing of the Final Report/ Challan in case FIR No. 0009/2026 of Police Station, Doda against District Development Councillor of Doda (DDC Constituency-12-Kastigarh) namely Santosha Devi W/o Swarn Singh and her son Swarn Veer Singh Jaral. While staying the filing of the Police Challan, Justice Rajesh Sekhri further observed that Investigating Agency shall be at liberty to proceed with the investigation of the impugned FIR No.0009/2026.
After hearing Advocate ArshadMajid Malik appearing for the two petitioners i.e. DDC Member Santosha Devi and her son Swarn Veer Singh Jaral, Justice Rajesh Sekhri issued notices to the Principal Secretary (Home), J&K Govt.; SHO, Police Station, Doda and Hakam Chand S/o Jambhu Ram R/o Kastigarh, Doda and the said notices were accepted in the open court by Sr. AAG Monika Kohli with Govt. Advocate Adarsh Bhagat on behalf of official respondents, whereas, Advocate Adeep Singh accepted the notice on behalf of private respondent Hakam Chand. The appearing Advocates were directed to file the objections within a period of four weeks.
Advocate A.M. Malik appearing for the petitioners vehemently argued that on 08.01.2026, a public function was organized at Suli, Kastigarh for the inauguration of Suli-Zardan Road, which was attended by local residents and the petitioner No.1 being the elected DDC Member of the concerned constituency was present at the venue and was awaiting the arrival of DDC Chairperson, Doda and other dignitaries. The private respondent i.e. Hakam Chand who is political rival of the petitioner No.1 accompanied by his supporters was also present at the said function and was in inebriated condition.
After considering the submissions of both the sides, Justice Rajesh Sekhri stayed the filing of the Charge Sheet/Final Report in the aforementioned FIR against DDC Member, Kastigarh (Doda) Santosha Devi and her son Swarn Veer Singh Jaral and directed the registry to list this petition for further proceedings on 08.04.2026. The official respondents as well as private respondent were also directed to file their response/objections within four weeks.

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