HIGH COURT OF JAMMU & KASHMIR AND LADAKH AT JAMMU WP(C) No. 1935/2026 Patnitop Photographer Association …..Appellant(s)/Petitioner(s) Through: Mr. Neeraj Gupta, Advocate vs UT of J&K and others .…. Respondent(s) Through: Mr. Anishwar Chatterji Koul, GA for R-4. CORAM: HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE SANJAY PARIHAR, JUDGE ORDER 03.07.2026 1. Learned counsel for the petitioner submits that the petitioner is espousing the cause of the Patni top Photographer Association, a duly registered association which has been functioning for several years. It is submitted that the members of the Association have been duly authorized to carry on the business of photography as hawkers in the Patni top area under the provisions of the J&K Registration of Tourist Trade Act, 1978/1982/2011. 2. It is further submitted that the petitioner Association comprises approximately 23 licensed photographers. Despite being fully aware that the Patni top tourist area is already overcrowded and that the increasing number of photographers has resulted in inconvenience to tourists, the respondents have continued to issue fresh licences/permissions for carrying on the business of photography in the area. According to the petitioner, the indiscriminate issuance of such licences has adversely affected the livelihood and business interests of the existing licensed photographers. Serial No. 94 2 WP(C) No. 1935/2026 3. Learned counsel further submits that the proliferation of photographers in the limited tourist viewing spots at Patni top is not only prejudicial to the interests of the existing licence holders but is also likely to diminish the overall tourist experience. It is contended that there are only a few designated locations where photography services can be effectively provided and that the number of photographers presently holding valid licences is already adequate. In this regard, the petitioner submitted a representation dated 15.03.2026 before the Assistant Director, Tourism Department, Batote, requesting that no further licences be issued. However, no action has been taken on the said representation till date. 4. Learned counsel submits that the petitioner would be satisfied, at this stage, if a direction is issued to the respondents to consider and decide the aforesaid representation in accordance with law. 5. Having regard to the limited nature of the relief sought and without expressing any opinion on the merits of the case, the present petition is disposed of with a direction to the respondents to consider and decide the petitioner's representation dated 15.03.2026, strictly in accordance with law, by passing a reasoned order, as expeditiously as possible and preferably within a period of two months from the date a copy of this order is made available to them. 6. The petition stands disposed of along with all connected applications, if any. (Sanjay Parihar) Judge Jammu 03.07.2026 Rahul Sharma