J&K police Acts on judicial directions
Srinagar, October 9, 2025:
In a significant development, Jammu and Kashmir Police have arrested a senior JKAS officer following directions from the Court of Sub-Judge Anantnag, over alleged non-compliance of court orders in an execution petition pending since 2023.
The arrested officer, Mohammad Rouf Rehman, currently serving as Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Verinag Development Authority, was taken into custody by police on Thursday after the Chief Judicial Magistrate, Anantnag, issued orders for his detention.
According to court records, the arrest order was passed in Execution Petition No. 147/EP (Case No. 133/2023) titled Hamidullah Bawani vs Union Territory of J&K and Others. The court directed that the officer be lodged in judicial custody till October 15, 2025, and be produced before the court through video conferencing on the next date of hearing.
Before being lodged, the officer was taken for a medical examination as per standard legal protocol.
Background of the Case
The case originates from an award dated March 14, 2015, passed in the National Lok Adalat, followed by an enforcement order dated November 17, 2018. The decree holder, Hamidullah Bawani, a resident of Mir Maidan, Dooru, through his counsel Advocate Fayaz Ahmad Sodagar, had approached the court seeking execution of the award and compliance with its monetary directions.
Despite repeated court notices, the CEO reportedly failed to respond to a show cause notice issued on March 4, 2025, prompting the court to observe that the officer had “no sufficient cause to show why he should not be arrested and detained in a civil prison.”
Court’s Observations
The Sub-Judge, while hearing the matter, noted that the officer, referred to as Judgment Debtor No. 4, had not complied with the court’s orders nor deposited the amount due to the decree holder.
The court order observed:
“Despite service of order dated 04.03.2025, no cause has been furnished by Judgment Debtor No. 4, which implies that he has no cause to show as to why he shall not be arrested and detained in a civil prison.”
Counsel representing the Deputy Commissioner and Collector Land Acquisition, Anantnag (Judgment Debtors No. 2 and 3), informed the court that the responsibility to make payment lay with Judgment Debtor No. 4, i.e., the CEO of Verinag Development Authority.
Attachment of Treasury Account and Arrest Warrant
In September 2025, after observing continued non-compliance, the court ordered attachment of the Treasury Account (Head No. SN.72) operated by the Verinag Development Authority with Treasury Dooru, prohibiting the treasury officer from entertaining any bills under the said account head.
Additionally, a bailable warrant of arrest worth ₹50,000 was issued against the CEO, with directions to the Station House Officer, Police Station Verinag, for its execution and report.
Legal Implications and Significance
The arrest highlights the increasing judicial emphasis on accountability and enforcement of decrees against public officials in Jammu and Kashmir. Courts have repeatedly observed that official status does not grant immunity from legal consequences when orders of a competent court are willfully disobeyed.
This case also underscores the importance of compliance with Lok Adalat awards, which are legally binding and enforceable under Section 21 of the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
Conclusion
The arrest of a senior JKAS officer for non-compliance of a judicial decree marks a strong stance by the judiciary in upholding the rule of law and ensuring execution of court orders. The officer remains in judicial custody till October 15, awaiting further court proceedings.
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