Sr. No. 10 IN THE HIGH COURT OF JAMMU & KASHMIR AND LADAKH AT JAMMU (Through Virtual Mode) PIL 23/2016 CM(3208/2025) GOLDEN HEARTZ FOUNDATION …Petitioner(s)/appellant(s) Through: Mr. Shanum Gupta, Advocate, vice Mr. Ankesh Chandel, Advocate. Vs. STATE AND ORS ...Respondent(s) Through: Ms. Monika Kohli, Sr. AAG., with Ms. Sagira Jaffer, Assisting Counsel. CORAM: HON’BLE THE CHIEF JUSTICE HON’BLE MR. JUSTICE RAJNESH OSWAL, JUDGE O R D E R 02-04-2026 Petitioner (Golden Heartz Foundation) approached this Court in public interest and had prayed for a Mandamus to command the respondents to provide sufficient infrastructure in the schools for blinds in Roop Nagar, Jammu. Such as: hostel facilities, extra-curricular activities, study material for progression in life and specific computer and software. Further, to direct the respondents to provide two schools for blinds in all the districts of State of Jammu and Kashmir with boarding and lodging facilities to cater to the needs of children suffering from blindness and make suitable arrangements for providing necessary education at least up to 12th standard. And, to ensure that requisite arrangements are made to provide further avenues to such students even beyond 12th standard in professional/non-professional courses. Further special recruitments be carried out as regards the eligible candidates suffering from total blindness or blindness which is judged to be more than 75%. Still further to provide separate block for female students either in the same or at any other suitable complex. Apparently, the matter is pending for over a decade and in the interregnum numerous orders have been passed by this Court from time to time. However, today at the outset, Ms. Monika Kohli, learned senior AAG has drawn our attention to the compliance report dated May 28, 2025 Shameem Hamid Mir 2026.04.06 14:07 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document filed by the Social Welfare Department. And, accordingly per the averments set out therein, particularly, in paragraph 04, she submits that the concerns/grievances of the petitioner have substantially been redressed: 4. “That in reference to the points contained in order dated:- 22.11.2018, passed by this Hon'ble Court, the points- wise reply whereof, pertains to the Social Welfare Department, UT of J&K, is submitted as:- I. An action plan of the manner in which the disability census would be undertaken in the entire State of Jammu and Kashmir:- As of March 2025, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir has prioritized the Unique Disability ID (UDID) Project under the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (RPwD) Act, 2016, as a comprehensive database capturing all 21 categories of disabilities. To date, over 2 lakh Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) in J&K have been registered under the UDID portal. This initiative eliminates the need for a stand-alone disability census, as the UDID system ensures real-time, dynamic data collection and service delivery. The UT administration is actively strengthening this project through awareness drives, streamlined registration processes, and integration with welfare schemes. Moreover, the following interventions are being utilized for PWDs: 1. UDID Integration: Pension disbursement, prosthetic aids, and employment linked to UDID data, mentioned at point No.4 (I) above for kind reference. 2. Motorized Tricycles/Scooties: 2,832 distributed (2023- 24): 500 high- end wheelchairs provisioned for 2024-25. 3. Pensions: Monthly assistance to 1,29,132 PwDs under NSAP, ISSS, and militancy victim schemes: besides other categories monthly pension has also been increased for Persons with Disabilities (PwDs) vide Government Order No.96-JK(SWD) of 2025 dated 03.04.2025. A copy whereof Shameem Hamid Mir 2026.04.06 14:07 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document is annexed as Annexure-I for kind perusal of the Hon'ble Court. 4. During 2023-24, a total of 12,573 prosthetic aids worth ₹5.95 crores were distributed through the Artificial Limbs Manufacturing Corporation of India (ALIMCO)”. She submits that the matter is being pursued/monitored by the respondent authorities in the right earnest and in the wake of the multiple initiatives that have been taken, the petition has substantially served its purpose. Though, she, as always, fairly submits that it is a work in progress. That being so and, particularly, in the wake of the compliance report (ibid), learned counsel for the petitioner submits that for the present, the proceedings in the petition at hand be closed. However, the petitioner be granted liberty, just in case the circumstances so warrant or any fresh cause of action arises, to re-approach this Court vide a separate petition. Ms. Monika Kohli, learned senior AAG fairly agrees to the mode suggested by learned counsel for the petitioner. Accordingly, in the wake of the position sketched out above and in terms of the statement made by learned counsel for the parties, the proceedings in the present case are, accordingly, closed. The petition stands disposed of in the above terms with liberty as prayed for. (RAJNESH OSWAL) (ARUN PALLI) JUDGE CHIEF JUSTICE SRINAGAR 02-04-2026 Aamir Shameem Hamid Mir 2026.04.06 14:07 I attest to the accuracy and integrity of this document