Govt Serves Show-Cause Notice to Former SMC Mayor Mattu Over Church Lane Bungalow

Srinagar : The Jammu and Kashmir administration has issued an show cause notice to former Srinagar Mayor Junaid Azeem Mattu for allegedly continuing to occupy a government bungalow in Church-Lane beyond his entitlement period.
According to an official, the Deputy Director Estates Kashmir said that Mattu was allotted Government House No. H.O.D-3 at Church Lane, Sonawar in November 2018 during his tenure as Mayor, with the allotment valid only until April 2019. “From official records, no extension has been granted by the Government since April 2019,” the notice read, adding that the former mayor had been “retaining the premises illegally and without any formal allotment/extension orders.”
The notice mentioned that despite “different notices/communications/verbal requests” to vacate the property, Mattu failed to comply. It further noted that his legal challenge against the eviction process before the J&K High Court (WP(C) No. 2114/2024) was disposed of on May 9, 2025.
“As on date you are not entitled to retain the scheduled premises in the absence of any statutory provision in this regard,” the notice stated, directing Mattu to either vacate the bungalow or produce documentary evidence justifying his occupation by July 15, 2025. Failure to comply may result in formal eviction proceedings under the J&K Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1988. (KDC)