Srinagar, Jan 12: The Court of the District Magistrate and Deputy Commissioner Srinagar has dismissed the appeals filed by Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited against the eviction order issued by the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences, Soura, clearing the way for recovery of eight kanals of land crucial for the institute’s expansion plans.

The land, comprising survey numbers 326 min, 328 min and 3179 min, had been leased to BSNL Kashmir in September 1982 for a period of 40 years, which expired in September 2022. Officials said no extension or renewal was granted as the land is urgently required for ongoing and proposed infrastructure projects at SKIMS.

Following the expiry of the lease and continued occupation by BSNL, the Estates Officer of SKIMS, Prof Ghulam Hassan Yatoo, issued an eviction notice and subsequently passed an eviction order on February 29, 2024, directing BSNL to vacate the premises in full. BSNL challenged the order under Section 12 of the Jammu and Kashmir Public Premises Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants Act, 1988.

After hearing both sides and examining records, the appellate court, through an order dated January 8, 2026, dismissed the appeal and vacated the interim stay that had been granted in March 2024, enabling immediate vacation of the premises.

Officials from SKIMS told the news agency Kashmir News Trust that the recovery of the land will allow SKIMS to proceed with long-delayed healthcare infrastructure projects, including the cardiac centre, neuro-sciences facilities, emergency block and other critical care units that are vital for patient services across the region.

They termed the decision a major milestone in safeguarding public assets and strengthening healthcare delivery in Jammu and Kashmir, reiterating the institute’s commitment to prioritising patient care and medical advancement. [KNT]