Regular case registered against 13 in Adarsh scam

After completing the preliminary inquiry in the Adarsh Housing Society scam, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has registered a regular case against 13 people, the Rajya Sabha was informed today.

In his written reply, Defence Minister A K Antony said, "The preliminary inquiry has been completed and a regular case has been registered on January 29, 2011 against 13 accused persons under sections of Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988."

An enquiry was ordered by the government after alleged irregularities in the allotment of land to Adarsh Cooperative Housing Society in Mumbai and construction of the high-rise building on it.

The Minister said that the investigation is in progress.

Meanwhile, replying to a query on proposed Independent Land Regulator for defence lands, Antony said, "Having an Independent Regulator for management of defence land has been recommended by the Standing Committee of Defence."

"The Ministry has sought guidance from the Committee regarding the duties and responsibilities of such an Independent Regulator. The Ministry also wants to know as to how such a Regulator would be different from the existing set up of Director General of Defence Estates (DGDE) and how his independence will help in making him more effective," he said.

The Minister said that in the view of the Ministry, an Independent Regulator was useful when there were multiple players operating in the market and when government itself may be a player.

"In such a situation, rules and regulations have to be formulated to ensure fair play and level-playing field in the market and any violation of rules and regulations so framed has to be punished. In the instant case, DGDE was essentially performing state functions i.E. Management of Defence land on behalf of the Ministry," the Minister said.

He said that the final decision will be taken on receipt of guidance from the Committee.