11/12/2025
*High Court Clears Way for Establishment of Government Degree College at Ashmuqam*
Srinagar, December 11:
In a significant development, the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh has given its nod for the establishment of a Government Degree College at Ashmuqam, confirming the decision earlier approved by the Governor-headed State Administrative Council (SAC).
The matter had been under litigation since 2018, with rival claims raised by villagers of Ashmuqam and Siligam over the proposed site of the institution. The Hon’ble Court has now conclusively settled the dispute, directing the Government to proceed with the establishment of the college at Village Ashmuqam in pursuance of the SAC’s earlier approval.
Delivering the judgment, the Bench led by Hon’ble Justice Wasim Sadiq Nargal observed that while the Court cannot undo the hardship already endured due to prolonged litigation, the case should serve as a *“cautionary reminder”*. The Court emphasized that public authorities must exercise restraint and base their decisions on public interest and expert opinion before engaging in litigation or adopting adversarial positions. It further underlined that Courts, while dealing with matters of public welfare and infrastructure, must remain judicious and sparing in granting interim reliefs, ensuring that such orders are time-bound to prevent undue delay in projects of social importance.
The case was argued by Advocate Ilyas Laway on behalf of the Government, while Senior Advocate A.H. Naik and Advocate G.A. Lone represented the petitioners.
The judgment is being widely welcomed as a step forward in promoting educational infrastructure and access to higher learning opportunities in the Anantnag district.
