Allahabad HC directs UP Vigilance to probe cooperative housing issue

Delhi: The Allahabad High Court has directed the Uttar Pradesh Vigilance Department to investigate the Himalayan Cooperative Housing Society Limited for allegedly exceeding the prescribed land limit and transferring land in collusion with employees of the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA).

The court highlighted that this fraudulent activity resulted in the LDA losing crores of rupees.
On December 3, Justice Rajiv Singh, sitting on the Lucknow bench, passed the order while hearing a contempt petition filed by Sunanda Agarwal.

The court instructed the vigilance department to register a case, carry out a thorough investigation, and present a detailed report by January 20.

Additionally, the court emphasized the need for action against the officials of both the housing society and the authority.

During the proceedings, the court found no prima facie case of contempt against the LDA officials. However, it noted that the matter revealed serious issues that could not be ignored in the interest of the public.

Consequently, the court ordered an inquiry by the vigilance department.The court’s findings revealed that the Himalayan Cooperative Housing Society had illegally acquired and distributed plots of land to its members by claiming compensation for nearly double the prescribed land limit of 12.5 acres. This act, which took place in the Gomtinagar Extension area, was deemed illegal. The court also noted that investigations by both the government and the LDA had uncovered significant irregularities involving the housing society, with evidence pointing to the complicity of LDA employees in the scheme.

The court’s decision to refer the case to the vigilance department underscores the gravity of the situation, which involves significant financial misconduct and a breach of public trust. With the investigation now underway, the vigilance department is expected to examine the extent of the fraud and the roles of the implicated officials.

The case has brought attention to the need for stricter oversight of land dealings and the importance of holding both government authorities and private organizations accountable for their actions. The upcoming investigation is expected to shed more light on the full scale of the irregularities and the individuals responsible for the fraudulent activities.