State Govt seeks time to probe ULC allotments

State Govt seeks time to probe ULC allotments

MAHARASHTRA Government on Friday informed the High Coun ttiat in addition to 27 cases of allotment of surplus lands declared under the Urban Land Ceiling (ULC) Act, other allotments would also be scrutinised.

A special division bench consisting of Justice A P Bhangalc and Justice Z A Haq started hearing the petition filed by former MLA Sunil Shinde alleging massive irregularities in allotment of ULC land to influential persons.

A one-member committee headed by former High Coun judge R K Batta had confirmed the massive fraud and found gross violations of the procedure in every allotment.

According to State Government, in 27 cases, action is being taken and the allotments are being cancelled. On Friday, the Government sought time to Hie reply and also to scrutinise other cases of ULC allotment.

The petitioner's counsel Adv Anand Parchure on earlier occasion had claimed that Batta Commission submitted its report way back in 2007 and the allotments were still not being cancelled.

The High Court had sought specific details of action taken against each of the beneficiary whose allotment was sought to be cancelled. State Government had promised to implement Balta Commission report and take departmental action against erring officers.

Justice Batta had clearly indicted the then ULC authorities namely E Z Khobragade (presently member of MAT) and S G Gauiam (Deputy Commissioner) for gross abuse of power and flagrant breach of ULC norms and government guidelines and for favouring high and mighty by these officials.

During last hearing, the signed copy of Justice Batta committee report was produced before the court.

Making a startling revelation Justice Batta committee had pointed out that Government had failed to take possession of 3.71 crore sq. ml land (37192242.56 sq. mt land to be exact) under section 10(3) of the ULC Act in 1371 cases. Out of 3065 cases the government had failed to initiate action in 2192 cases so far. the committee pointed out with great anguish.

Posted in: News 2014