SHIMLA: Taking note of encroachments in the religious town of Jawalamukhi in Kangra district , Himachal Pradesh high court has directed the sub-divisional magistrate (SDM), Jawalamukhi, to inspect the entire area around the shrine, more particularly the road passing through the town and leading to the shrine.“If during the course of inspection, any hawker or person is found sitting and putting up vends without authorization, appropriate action for removal thereof shall be taken,” observed the division bench of acting Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Ajay Mohan Goel in an order issued on Tuesday.The court said that if allotees or owners are found to have extended their shop beyond permissible limit, the officials should first ask them to remove such obstructions and encroachments themselves and if they don’t listen, then get the same razed or removed.Also, steps shall be taken to remove encroachments in front of the shops. the temple officer of Mata Jawalaji Trust shall be taken along during the inspection, the court added.The high court had taken suo motu cognizance of a letter by Vipan Sood, a resident of Bohan village, Jawalamukhi, who had highlighted the alleged acts of omission and commission by the local municipal council.Sood had alleged that the council had not taken any action against encroachers on the pavements, thus blocking the path.The court has appointed advocate Sandeep Chauhan as amicus curiae for assistance. He has pointed out that the allottees of the shops have extended their shops on to the road, obstructing vehicular traffic and making pedestrians vulnerable to accidents.

Stay updated with all the Latest Shimla headlines here. For more exclusive & live news updates from all around India, stay connected with NYOOOZ.