| Jammu, May 29: In a significant order, the Honorable High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has allowed Sarpanch Panchayat Halqa, Keswan, to participate in the tendering process. This decision came in response to a writ petition filed by Farooq Ahmed Kripak, represented by counsel Mr. F.S. Butt. The petitioner challenged the condition mentioned in the tender notice dated May 9, 2023, which prohibited PRI members (Sarpanch, Panch, BDC, DDC, and Chairperson) from participating in the tendering process issued by the PWD (R&B) Department. The petitioner argued that this condition was based on an erroneous opinion of the law department, which misinterpreted Rule 59 of J&K Panchayat Raj Rules, 1996. According to the petitioner, Rule 59 applies only if the Panchayat itself opts for a contract and does not allow any auction in favor of the Panch, Secretary, Officer, Servant of the Panchayat, or other public servant. |
