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Delhi High Court raises concerns over alleged fraudulent allotment of 128 properties

The Delhi High Court has recently addressed a significant issue involving the alleged fraudulent allotment of 128 properties in Delhi based on forged recommendation letters. The matter was brought to the court's attention through a plea filed by Govind Saran Sharma, seeking the execution of conveyance deeds for one of the properties in question. During the hearing presided over by Justice Pratibha M Singh, the court raised the critical question of whether the entire case should be referred to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) for a thorough investigation. The judge emphasised the need for further inquiry and lawful proceedings and raised doubts about the investigation continuing under the Economic Offences Wing (EOW) of the Delhi Police. The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) informed the court that between 1978 and 1982, a list of 128 recommendations had been fraudulently obtained from the Land and Building Department (L&BD), leading to the allocation of several plots. The court highlighted the lack of follow-up actions by relevant authorities despite the serious nature of the issue. The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) had also not taken any measures despite court orders. The court estimated the collective value of these properties to be worth thousands of crores, involving 166 properties, with 53 recommendations not resulting in actual allotments. Expressing concern over the situation, the court directed the DDA to immediately instruct sub-registrars to prevent any further third-party interests or sales related to the properties in question. The court expressed dissatisfaction with the lax approach of the L&BD and other authorities involved. Furthermore, the court remarked on the lack of action against officials and beneficiaries involved in the alleged fraudulent allotments. It underscored the importance of holding them accountable for their reliance on forged documents, ensuring they do not escape consequences for their actions. Regarding the vigilance inquiry initiated by the DDA, the court noted that despite the department's referral to various authorities such as the vigilance department, Delhi administration, DCP, and anti-corruption bodies, there was no substantial follow-up or evidence of action taken based on these referrals. In summary, the court proceedings shed light on the gravity of the situation involving the fraudulent allotment of properties and underscored the urgency of a thorough investigation by competent authorities to ensure accountability and justice in this matter.

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