Awantipora, Feb 12: The Court of Additional Special Mobile Magistrate Awantipora on Thursday convicted two persons in a cheque bounce case dating back to 2019 and sentenced them to one year of simple imprisonment along with a fine of ₹28,08,000.

The case, titled Mukhtar Ahmad Sheikh versus Ess Kay Filling Station and another, was decided by Additional Special Mobile Magistrate Awantipora Muneer Ahmad Bhat. The court convicted Muhammad Sultan Koka, son of Ghulam Mohammad Koka, resident of Parraypora Majeedbagh Srinagar, and Abid Yousuf Dar, son of Mohammad Yousuf Dar, resident of Wuyan Pampore.

The court held that the accused had knowingly issued a cheque to the complainant Mukhtar Ahmad Sheikh, son of Ghulam Mohammad Sheikh, resident of Noorpora Awantipora, which was subsequently dishonoured.

While delivering the judgment, the court observed that the accused had intentionally issued the cheque with knowledge that it would likely be dishonoured, thereby causing financial loss to the complainant. The court noted that the cheque was issued for personal gain despite awareness of insufficient funds.

After examining witnesses and evidence on record, the court sentenced both accused to simple imprisonment for one year. In addition, a fine of ₹28,08,000 was imposed along with six percent interest from the date of issuance of the cheque till the date of judgment.

The court directed that the entire amount be paid to the complainant within three months from the date of pronouncement of judgment. In case of failure to pay within the stipulated period, the accused shall undergo an additional imprisonment of three months. [KNT]

Jammu, Feb 12: The High Court of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh has reconstituted and expanded the mandate of its Sexual Harassment Probe Committee to include matters relating to transgender persons, in compliance with directions issued by the Supreme Court of India.

According to an order issued by the Registrar General, the committee, already in place, shall henceforth have the mandate to prevent and redress complaints of sexual harassment concerning women as well as transgender persons. The move follows directions rendered by the Supreme Court in Writ Petition (Civil) No. 1245/2025 titled Geeta Rani versus Union of India and others.

The order states that the existing Sexual Harassment Probe Committee will continue to function with its revised jurisdiction. Separate committees have been notified for the Jammu and Srinagar wings of the High Court.

For the Jammu Wing, the committee will be headed by Hon’ble Ms Justice Sindhu Sharma as Chairperson, with senior advocates and officials including Mr U.K. Jalali, Ms Seema Khajuria Shekhar, Ms Deepika Mahajan, Ms Rimpash Sangotra, Mr Prem Sadotra and the Secretary, High Court Legal Services Committee as members.

For the Srinagar Wing, the committee will be chaired by Hon’ble Ms Justice Moksha Khajuria Kazmi, with Mr Nazir Ahmad Beigh, Ms Masooda Jan and Ms Naseema Hassan Baqal among the co-opted members.

The High Court has directed circulation of the order to all concerned judicial and administrative authorities for information and necessary action. [KNT]

Srinagar, Feb 12: The Jammu and Kashmir government on Thursday said there is no proposal under consideration to establish a separate Tourism Development Authority for Uri in Baramulla district, while adding that promotion of border and eco-tourism in the area will be taken up in phases.

Replying to MLA Dr. Sajad Shafi’s query, J&K government acknowledged that Uri has appreciable tourism potential, particularly in border tourism, eco tourism, pilgrimage linked travel and nature based experiences.

The government stated that the department is aware of the vast potential in the constituency, especially in border tourism, wildlife and natural beauty. J&K governmen, however, clarified that no proposal is currently under consideration for establishing a dedicated authority to ensure planned promotion, regulation and infrastructure development in the area.

The government said Uri offers scope for border area tourism experiences, trekking routes, scenic and nature based visitation, waterfalls and heritage linked circuits, subject to accessibility and visitor facilitation arrangements.

On future plans, the government informed the House that promotion of border tourism and eco tourism in Uri, including the Boniyar Uri belt, will be undertaken in a phased manner, subject to policy approvals.

The department said it is focusing on environmentally sustainable and community based tourism interventions. Emphasis is being laid on low impact initiatives such as homestays, aimed at generating livelihood opportunities for local youth while ensuring environmental conservation.

It further said that registration of homestays under notified guidelines is being facilitated across North Kashmir, including remote and border areas. So far, five homestays have been registered in the Boniyar Uri area, reflecting initial progress towards inclusive tourism development in the border region—(KNO)

Srinagar, Feb 12: Over 30 students from Jammu and Kashmir have been suspended from a private university in Rajasthan after they protested against its failure to secure mandatory approvals for a nursing course, a students’ body said on Thursday, seeking Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s intervention.

The Jammu and Kashmir Students Association informed said 33 students of Mewar University in Chittorgarh were suspended following a peaceful demonstration against the absence of recognition from the Rajasthan Nursing Council and the Indian Nursing Council for the B.Sc Nursing programme.

More than 50 Kashmiri students are enrolled in the course, which remains unapproved by the statutory bodies, putting their degrees, registration and future employment at risk, the Association said.

“The university had repeatedly assured students that approvals would be obtained. Last year, the Registrar gave a written commitment. No progress has been made,” Nasir Khuehami, National Convenor of the Association said.

He said that instead of addressing the students’ concerns, the administration resorted to punitive action. “Suspending students for a peaceful protest is aimed at silencing dissent. Running a professional course without statutory approvals is a serious regulatory failure.”

The Association has urged Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to take up the matter with the Rajasthan government. It has also appealed to Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma to intervene and ensure that either approvals are secured or students are transferred to a recognised institution without academic loss. (KNS)