HC directs timely completion of Mubarak Mandi restoration, closes PIL

25/07/2026

JAMMU, Jul 24: The High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has directed the Government to ensure that restoration and conservation of the historic Mubarak Mandi heritage complex is completed without unnecessary delay and does not suffer for want of funds.
A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Kumar and Justice Mohd Yousuf Wani passed the direction while disposing of a decade-old Public Interest Litigation filed by Chhatter Singh seeking preservation and restoration of the ancient Dogra Royal Palace at North Mubarak Mandi, Jammu.
The petitioner had sought release of adequate funds and completion of the restoration work within a stipulated timeframe to restore the heritage complex to its original grandeur.
The Archae-ological Survey of India (ASI) informed the Court that conservation work on the old High Court building was completed in September 2012. It submitted that restoration of other heritage structures, including Baddi Deodi, Ghadvi Khana and the Royal Court, had subsequently been taken up in phases.
The Court noted that, as per an affidavit filed in January 2022, nearly 85 per cent of the work under Phase-I and about 60 per cent under Phase-II had been completed. However, the Bench observed that four years had elapsed since the filing of the affidavit.
After examining the status reports, the Court observed that the authorities had taken the necessary steps for preservation and conservation of the heritage structures at Mubarak Mandi.
The Bench appreciated the petitioner for initiating the litigation, observing that the conservation work had gained momentum due to the PIL and the directions issued by the Court from time to time.
Expressing confidence that the authorities would maintain the pace of work, the Court directed that the remaining restoration be completed expeditiously.
"We hope and trust that respondent Nos. 1 and 2 shall not allow conservation work to suffer for want of funds," the Bench observed.
Advocate G.S. Thakur appeared for the petitioner. Advocate Nisha Kangotra, appearing on behalf of Senior Additional Advocate General Monika Kohli, represented respondent Nos. 1 to 4. Deputy Solicitor General of India Vishal Sharma, Central Government Standing Counsel Karan Sharma and Advocate Sumant Sudan also appeared for the respondents.
While disposing of the PIL, the High Court granted liberty to the petitioner to seek revival of the proceedings if any laxity or delay is noticed on the part of the authorities in carrying out or completing the conservation work.

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