While the Judiciary has been Undermined, SMC Paralysed: Encroacher Court-Fined Offender Continues to Harass, Encroach in Hazratbal Flaunts Illegal Construction, Intimidates Locals and puts SMC on Trial while Public Demands Demolition Now.
Bilal Bhat | Srinagar | June 2025
In the heart of Hazratbal’s Gousia Colony, an illegal structure stands tall—not just as a concrete violation of building laws, but as a symbol of blatant defiance against court orders, civic authority, and community peace. Irshad Ahmad Bhat, already fined ₹20,000 by the court for misusing judicial process and suppressing facts, continues to misuse the system, now harassing neighbors and threatening Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) staff.
Despite repeated legal setbacks—including the unconditional withdrawal of a misleading suit and subsequent dismissal of another for “approaching court with unclean hands”—Irshad has not only retained the illegal structure but escalated his conduct. According to residents and official sources, he has parked a defunct 1998 model car on the common path, sparking fears of potential danger. Locals allege it is a move to terrorize and obstruct rightful access.
> “After losing the case, Irshad started harassing us every day. He used vulgar language, passed obscene remarks, and made disturbing gestures—so much so that my daughters have stopped visiting the construction site,” said Mehraj-ud-Din Mir, whose daughters Mehreen and Bisma are legally constructing a house on a valid SMC permit.
The court had earlier ruled that the case brought by Irshad and his family amounted to “total misuse of law” and that litigants like him should be dealt with “iron hands” to prevent judicial abuse for personal gain. It further stated that filing multiple suits on the same issue, after earlier unconditional withdrawal, was done to harass and delay lawful work by his neighbors.
Even more alarming, when SMC officials visited the site, Irshad allegedly manhandled and threatened them. An SMC insider told Awami Reporter on condition of anonymity:
“He tried to manipulate us into stopping legal construction while protecting his own illegal structure. When we refused, he became aggressive. This isn’t just a zoning issue—it’s a law and order concern now.”
The situation turned volatile when Awami Reporter’s ground team was also threatened with “dire consequences” if the issue was reported. Such intimidation of media, residents, and government staff reflects a deteriorating rule-of-law climate if left unchecked.
Adding weight to the demand for accountability, Civil Society Hazratbal’s Secretary Ramzan Bhat issued a strong statement:
“This is not just an encroachment—it’s a full-blown assault on legality, public safety, and women’s dignity. We demand the SMC Commissioner personally intervene, seal the illegal structure, and restore public confidence.”
Though construction has reportedly halted, the illegal building remains intact, serving as a provocation and a symbol of bureaucratic failure. Citizens are demanding immediate sealing and demolition of the unauthorized structure.
The ball is now in the court of the SMC Commissioner. Will they act decisively, or allow lawbreakers to continue mocking the system?
