Jammu & Kashmir High Court: Dismissal of Special Leave Petition and Doctrine of Merger

The J&K High Court held that dismissal of a Special Leave Petition (SLP) does not invoke the doctrine of merger, though reasons stated in such orders may operate as a declaration of law under Article 141. The Court clarified that only grant of leave with appellate exercise triggers merger. The ruling ensures clarity in procedural law, preserving the rights of review petitioners while reaffirming binding principles from Supreme Court orders.