Calls for White Paper from Haryana on land transfer
An independent special investigation team, comprising retired Supreme Court judges, should go into the business dealings of Robert Vadra with realty major DLF and the “quid pro quo” benefits that came to the company from the Haryana government, according to India Against Corruption (IAC).
“This is a fit case for income-tax scrutiny. But who will do it? Not the I-T Department or the CBI or the Enforcement Directorate, because they are all under the control of the government. That is why we want an independent special investigation team of retired Supreme Court judges to investigate the matter,” IAC member Arvind Kejriwal said at a press conference here.
The former Income-Tax officer cited court orders and documents to back his charges. He shared the dais with several farmers, who alleged that the Haryana government had fraudulently usurped their land and handed it over to DLF.
Mr. Kejriwal described the State government as an “agent” of DLF, considering the manner in which it acquired land from farmers at below market rates and handed it over to DLF or changed the land use pattern to benefit the construction firm that had bestowed favours on Mr. Vadra’s companies.
He demanded a White Paper from Haryana on government/panchayat/forest land transferred to DLF without environmental clearance. The paper must give details of the increase in the floor area ratio granted to DLF and the change in land-use permissions. “The White Paper would show that the transactions between DLF and Robert Vadra are not between two friends, but a consideration for the favours showered upon DLF by the Haryana government.”
Mr. Kejriwal alleged that the Haryana government had allotted land meant for a hospital to DLF for a special economic zone. DLF then founded a new company, DLF SEZ Holdings Pvt. Ltd., in which Mr. Vadra was a 50 per cent shareholder for a year and then sold it back to DLF. “What role did Mr. Vadra play in the one year when the DLF SEZ was in his control?” Reading from a document, he said the Punjab and Haryana High Court (CMP no 4542 of 2009) passed strictures against the Haryana government on February 2, 2011 in the matter and observed that it had a “mala fide nexus” with DLF.
Alleging that 350 acres of land was given to DLF, he said international bids were invited for a golf course but the rules of the game were changed after technical bids were opened to favour DLF though two other bidders, Country Heights and Unitech, had given higher quotations.
A farmer from Manesar, Om Prakash, related how land acquisition notices were served on them by the State that offered Rs. 12 lakh an acre as compensation in 2006-07. At the same time, some small firms, alleged to be “front companies” of DLF, offered them Rs. 20 lakh an acre, which was much below the market price but some farmers fell prey to the offer. When a few farmers resisted, the Haryana government served a notice under Section 9, which was the final notice of acquisition and award. This made farmers to sell in distress.
“Once all the land came into their possession, the government, just two days before the last day of the award, cancelled the acquisition proceedings and subsequently issued licences in favour of DLF for a major part of the land for development,” he alleged.
Mr. Kejriwal termed DLF’s defence a “bunch of lies.” He said the business dealings between Mr. Vadra and DLF could not be described as between two private entities and should be investigated under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Evidence Act.
Noted lawyer and IAC member Shanti Bhushan said questionable business dealings were covered under the Prevention of Corruption Act and the Evidence Act and courts could take suo motu notice.
While Congress spokesman Rashid Alvi rejected as baseless IAC’s fresh charges, saying “there is nothing new and no proofs,” Mr. Kejriwal wanted to know why Congress leaders and ministers were coming to the defence of Mr. Vadra if he is a private citizen.
Keywords: Arvind Kejriwal, India Against Corruption, Robert Vadra, Vadra-DLF business deals, Haryana Governement, DLF SEZ, land grabbing
There cannot be persons with absolute honesty or absolute dishonesty in the world. But people who do dishonest activities using their position in polities should be dealt with severily. This is not easily posible (see vadra case)unless there is a heavy movement of people. "Best of luck to Mr kajirival and his movement"
I agree with Mr. S.N Iyer below. But IAC have not said they are
political party yet. If they have that intention of entering politics
they should reveal it soon. It seems members of IAC attacking Congress
only. I'm not a supporter of any party. Top persons from IAC are not
saying anything against recent allegations against Nitin Gadkari. They
should move equally with anyone from any party. I do believe that
India doesn't have any corruption free and selfless political parties.
It's non-stop war against corruption. It's annoying that honest people
in politics keep quiet on these matter. Why can't honest politicians
fight against corruption? Do they think politics is free of
corruption? Corruption should be fought by people from all sections of
society? We can't deny that one day IAC itself would become home of
corruption.
@Swapna Madam,
Which is more important?? and What should our National dailies put in their cover pages?? The real thing is those who are advocating against IAC and Kejriwal by means of other state-related issues are not in mood to digest the recent flash out of corruption. State issues can be solved by state itself. But its high time to give national issues a front run or we the recent generation may miss the voice against century's biggest scam and a really bad governance.
Please join hands for the noble cause.
Compliments to the Hindu for making this issue front page news. and compliments and kudos to the IAC team for raising these issues. The Hindu can lead the press from the front on this issue. I hope to see much more hard hitting opinions and editorials on this issue from your paper.
The whole deal with DLF has smelt rotten for years. The facts of the case will most likely prove wrong doing. This country needs a strong anti corruption culture and it also needs a strong jurisprudence that can also prosecute and punish corporate fraud.
Such movements are the start of good things to come.May it continue as strong as ever.
Nice coverage by the brave print media!!Keep this good work on...Well
Wishes to The Hindu...
1. A Suo moto probe must first be made against all registrars of land and property without whose active connivance value of land and property cannot be under valued. This directly impacts on revenue through registration, stamp duty and property tax and BLACK MONEY. 2. However, are registrars who are mere administrative persons in government competent authority to determine the actual market rate of the property in contention? If so, what is the current eligibility criteria for this important post?
3. Can one political parties including I.A.C be trusted anymore to steer the country against corruption - a SOCIAL evil by-product of commercial activity in an imperfect economy with limited resources? I.A.C is turning out suspiciously to be an organization creating distrust and despair (perhaps rightly) and unlawful belligerence (wrongly) against every democratic and constitutional pillar of India rather than address corruption as a social problem with legal remedy.
Such personal revelations of anyone however well connected and irrespective of party affiliations and the demand for appointment of SITs will only help a. jobs for retired judges, b work for the Bhushans and such lawyers, c. waste of time. As a political party let M<r Kejriwal spell out the policies of his party on major issues like electoral reforms, transparency in governance by systemic changes in Govt procedures etc These personal attacks are best at getting media attention. We have laws, courts to deal with personal issues. It will not be difficult to get such news of many in any political party. Please show your difference as a party and not just as a mud slinger!!
Mr. Kejiriwal should bring this matter to Supreme Court. With strong supreme court lawyers such as the Shanti Bhushan, Prashant Bhushan and Subramaniam Swamy on his side, he should not fear. If there is serious problems with the transactions the Supreme Court will find out. If he keeps raising these issues only in the media will slowly bring down his reputation.
Congress should no more harp on sharpening its arms to silence the
critics.It should come clean as the allegations against renowned member cannot be swept under the carpet under some pretext
or other. Given the startling revelations made by IAC, the credibility
and trustworthiness of congress has got to be regained through a
dispassionate enquiry by the agencies. Any shilly-shallying will damage
its reputation.
'Legal corruptions' can only be met with external judicial investigations and the demand for such from the aggrieved people is only fair and legitimate. The matter does not seem to be a 'storm in the teacup' and it is only proper for the SC to employ a commission to investigate the matter, thoroughly. It is a matter of great public interest and it should not be swept aside as frivolous! Ordinary people need to feel the trust and respect towards the functioning of Governments and at present it seems such clarity is wanting!
Kejriwal is the man!!
"Mr. Kejriwal wanted to know why Congress leaders and ministers were coming to the defence of Mr. Vadra if he is a private citizen."
Why indeed?
Another Great article by The Hindu in opening the can of worms!
While Kejriwal has presented his case very effectively, the veracity of the facts furnished by him are to be ascertained. The corporate entity embroiled in this mess is now complaining that it has sufferred because of a political fued betweeen the Congress and IAC. But I think they have themselves to blame for this predicament. Why did they embrace son-in-law of the no.1 political family of India with such great love and affection that they offered 85% advance against a piece of land where many clearances were awaited. Now effectively, neither the land has been transferred in their name nor the advance has been recovered. This peculiar transaction has created this imbroglio and they cannot get out it. As far as Robert Vadera is concerned, considering the political importance of the family he associated with, he should have been more careful while dealing with big corporate entities. There is every likelihood of he being used directly or indirectly.
It is sad that The Hindu gives Kejriwal and his new party front page coverage every day and keeps important issues like the garbage issue or the outbreak of cholera in Trivandrum to some inner column? Isn't the Kerala High Court's slamming of Kerala Government with regard to the Vilappilsala plant more important as far as welfare of society is concerned? Or do you prefer to cover real estate deals?
At last one fearless man in this country. Wish him luck.
The onus now is on the Congress party to clarify and legally challenge the allegations. So long as Gandhi family is silent and omit to give proper explanations, the mystery would be shrouded further to the disadvantage of the party.
Bravo! Arvind, Bravo! I think this top-down approach to exposing and
tackling corruption shall work best.
The time came for the revolution against corruption & fight for their fundamental rights.
Friends join with the team to ignite this revolution from Delhi to each part of this country.
I am confident that, Post revolution era will be for “FOR THE PEOPLE”.
Just having the noble thoughts with in yourself & keeping it to the clod storage does not going to change our country…People should come forward & make it corruption free country.
If IAC is telling lie why government is not filing complaint against him. All the ministers are coming to media and replying. After such allegation its whose responsibility to order probe? Arvind Kejriwal, you are on right track, Go ahead Aam Admi is with you.
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