The Allahabad High Court has mandated a thorough investigation by the Uttar Pradesh Vigilance Department into allegations of land fraud involving the Himalayan Cooperative Housing Society Limited and certain employees of the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA). The court’s directive aims to address accusations that the society illegally acquired and transferred more land than allowed, resulting in significant financial losses to the authority.
Justice Rajiv Singh of the Lucknow bench issued the order on December 3, responding to a contempt petition filed by Sunanda Agarwal. While the court found no grounds for a prima facie case of contempt against the officials of the LDA, it did recognize the severity of the allegations brought to light during the proceedings.
The investigation focuses on the society’s actions in Gomtinagar Extension, where it is alleged to have compensated its members with plots covering an area roughly double the prescribed limit of twelve and a half acres. This overreach, deemed wholly illegal by the court, prompted the need for a detailed vigilance inquiry.
Moreover, previous inquiries conducted by both the government and the LDA have already uncovered irregularities within the housing committee, implicating LDA employees in the process. These findings have raised serious concerns about potential collusion and misconduct.
The court has instructed the Vigilance Department to not only register and investigate these claims but also to submit a comprehensive report of their findings by January 20. The directive also includes actions to be taken against the implicated society and authority employees.
