Supreme Court Upholds Rehabilitation Efforts for Kashmiri Pandit Retirees

The Supreme Court disposed of the appeal, expecting the State to continue efforts to rehabilitate retired Kashmiri Pandit government servants affected by security concerns. The State formulated a comprehensive Return and Rehabilitation Package, including housing assistance, transit accommodation, cash relief, and employment opportunities. The Court allowed the 31 appellants to retain their current accommodations until suitable alternatives are provided, acknowledging the State's progress in implementing the rehabilitation scheme for Kashmiri migrants.

---

---

Issues involved: Appeal against judgment of Jammu & Kashmir High Court regarding eviction of retired government employees from government accommodation due to security reasons and lack of alternative housing options.

Summary:
1. The appellants, retired Kashmiri Pandit government servants, were allowed to retain government accommodation in Jammu due to safety concerns after their houses in the valley were destroyed by militants.
2. Writ petitions were filed by government employees waiting for accommodation, leading to a judgment directing eviction of non-government servants from government houses and allocation based on a new classification system.
3. The appellants appealed this decision, leading to a prolonged legal process where the Supreme Court directed the State to frame a rehabilitation scheme for the appellants.
4. The State formulated a comprehensive Return and Rehabilitation Package for Kashmiri Migrants involving housing assistance, transit accommodation, cash relief continuation, and employment opportunities.
5. The State demonstrated progress in implementing the rehabilitation scheme, including identifying sites for transit accommodation and nearing completion of flats for migrants returning to the valley.
6. The Supreme Court, after reviewing the State's affidavit and hearing counsels, disposed of the appeal with the expectation that the State would continue efforts to rehabilitate the affected individuals, allowing the 31 appellants to retain their current accommodations until suitable alternatives are provided.

---