The Udupi district administration on Thursday issued a demand notice for Rs. 1,123 crore to Manipal University for what it said violating land rules and using 109 acres of land for purposes other than for which it was granted, as per the directions of the State government.
Speaking to presspersons here, R. Vishal, Deputy Commissioner, said that there had been either partial or full change in the use of land in 109 acres given to the university. As per law, any land granted for a particular purpose, should be used for that particular purpose only. The demand notice had been sent for change of land use by the university.
The fine mentioned in the demand notice was three times the guidance value of 109 acres of land. The university had been given 30 days to respond to the notice. “The demand notice has details of survey numbers and the purpose for which the land was granted and how it is being used for purposes other than for which it was granted,” he said.
Dr. Vishal said that the university could respond to the demand notice by explaining its stand or producing any records, which would be considered by the administration. “If the university accepts the demand notice and pays the fine, action will be taken as per the directions of the government,” he said.
CMC objection
P. Yuvaraj, president of the Udupi City Municipal Council (CMC), told presspersons the university constructed an NRI hostel on land granted to it by the government for a playground and a swimming pool in 1968, about three years ago. The municipal council had withheld the completion certificate, no objection certificate and door number for the hostel.
Udupi district administration says university violating land rules