Why ‘pick and choose’ policy in registering FIRs, HC asks HUDA

CHANDIGARH: The Punjab and Haryana high court on Thursday asked the Haryana Urban Development Authority (HUDA) to explain as to why it adopted a ‘pick and choose’ policy in recommending FIRs against those who had secured plots, allegedly through fraudulent means. HUDA has also been asked to file a detailed affidavit within six weeks on whether the inquiry has been concluded or not.

The directions were issued following two days of hearing in a matter pertaining to lakhs of allotments of flats and plots for residential purposes since 1980s. It has reportedly been found that many of these allotments were made in violation of norms.

The high court bench of justice Daya Chaudhary observed that it had come on record that there had been frequent changes in various performas required to be submitted to secure an allotment. This was in contradiction with the policies. Reports have been filed by the committee looking into these allotments. However, HUDA has not recommended registration on FIRs against some of the names against whom allegations had been levelled by the applicants. HUDA official themselves are also facing allegations of conniving with the allottees, the HC bench said.

It further observed that it was necessary to know as to how some people were found innocent in the case after getting their replies to the notices issued to them by HUDA, but in other cases, allotment cancellation reports were prepared.

These facts have not been brought on record of the high court, the HC bench said, and asked HUDA administrator to file a comprehensive affidavit detailing these aspects before the court reaches a final conclusion.

Committee members of HUDA probing the scam have also been asked to file the status report and give details about plot numbers, lodging of FIR, status of criminal case and whether notice has been issued, if yes, the reply received.