Haryana's opposition Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) today sought registration of a criminal case against Trustees/Directors of M/s Associated Journals Ltd (AJL) and Bhupinder Singh Hooda, the then Chief Minister and Chairman of Haryana Urban Development Authority, for alleged illegal reallotment of land in Panchkula near here.
In a missive to Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Leader of the Opposition Abhay Chautala said that a plot measuring 3,360 square meters in the prime Sector 6 of Panchkula was re-allotted to the Associated Journals Ltd on June 29, 2005.
"This plot had been allotted to the Associated Journals Ltd. (AJL) in 1982, but after the company failed to make use of the land, it (the lease of the land) was resumed in the year 1996," he said.
However, no sooner had Congress been voted to power in 2005, Hooda initiated the process of restoring the plot to AJL on a representation made on its behalf by one of the trustees, he claimed.
"It is evident from media reports that the then Chief Minister was advised by the administration as well as by the LR (Legal Remembrance) that there was no legal provision for such re-allotment and if, however, the provisions or policy allow, then it can only be allotted afresh at the prevalent rates," he said.
In view of the facts, a prima facie cognizable criminal offence has been made out against persons, including Hooda, he said.
