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The Bombay High Court has raised concerns about widespread corruption and fraudulent practices in the allotment and entitlement processes of the Slum Rehabilitation Authority (SRA). In an effort to prevent multiple allotment scams, the court has suggested the implementation of regular Aadhaar-based identification and the use of biometrics. The court emphasized the importance of conducting biometric surveys by the SRA to eliminate fraud, illegality, and trafficking in rehabilitation units and entitlements.
The court expressed its disapproval of political interference in the SRA's work, stating that politicians should not have any influence in the organization's operations. The bench clarified that only cabinet ministers or officials from the urban development or housing departments should be allowed to hold meetings in the SRA offices. The court firmly stated that no other individuals, regardless of their political influence or claims, should interfere with the functioning of the SRA. Any such interference would lead to necessary and inevitable consequences, as inferred by the court.
Following a petition filed by a cooperative housing society highlighting various grievances against the SRA, the court expedited the hearing of the case. In response, the SRA informed the court that it had resumed the work of biometric identification and survey of a slum plot in Sion Koliwada. The court directed the Wadala Truck Terminal police station to provide the necessary assistance requested by the SRA to ensure a smooth survey process.
The court emphasized previous instances where individuals had collected excessive amounts, obtained multiple allotments, and secured separate allotments within a single family. It was revealed that some form of biometric identification had been in place since 2016, but the court recommended that the SRA now routinely conduct Aadhaar-based verification to enhance the identification process.
In conclusion, the Bombay High Court has highlighted the prevalence of racketeering and fraudulent activities in the allotment and entitlement procedures of the SRA. To address these issues, the court has suggested the adoption of regular biometric surveys, alongside Aadhaar-based identification, to eliminate fraud and trafficking. Additionally, the court has firmly stated that only specific government officials should be allowed to hold meetings in the SRA offices to prevent political interference. The court's detailed order regarding these matters has been made available, and steps are being taken to address the concerns raised in the petition filed by a cooperative housing society.
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