Gulmarg hotel owners withdraw petitions, hope for resolution from Jammu and Kashmir government

March 20, 2026

Jammu and Kashmir: Hotel owners in Gulmarg, a major tourist destination in Jammu and Kashmir, have withdrawn their petitions against the eviction and re-auction of approximately 52 structures—including 32 hotels and 20 huts—spread over approximately 38 acres of land. Senior advocate Zafar Shah sought permission to withdraw these petitions from the High Court.

A bench comprising Chief Justice Arun Palli and Justice Rajneesh Oswal granted the withdrawal of the petitions, stating that the petitioners now seek a resolution by raising the matter with the government.

Government Initiatives for Resolution
According to official sources, the elected government of Jammu and Kashmir is considering forming a committee to resolve the dispute, which will examine issues related to the lease and auction. This stance is said to be different from the Lieutenant Governor’s administration’s policy, which advocated for the auction of properties and not allowing existing leaseholders to participate in the bidding again.

Senior Additional Advocate General Mohit Qadri, representing the Lieutenant Governor’s office, also supported a “just, fair, and balanced solution.”

Old Dispute and Changes in Land Rules
The dispute relates to changes made to the Jammu and Kashmir Land Grant Rules 2022, which replaced the old rules of 1960. Under the new rules, old leases were abolished, the lease period was reduced from 99 years to 40 years, and outsiders were also allowed to participate in the bidding.

Local hotel owners had strongly opposed these changes, calling them a threat to their rights and local ownership.

Political Reaction and New Bill
Meanwhile, National Conference MLA Tanveer Sadiq has introduced a private member’s bill in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. It is titled the “Jammu and Kashmir Land Grants (Restoration and Protection) Bill, 2025.”

The bill aims to repeal the 2022 land grant rules and restore the old 1960 framework. Sadiq said the proposal was introduced to reinstate the old system of government land leases and protect local stakeholders.