SC dismissed PIL seeking CBI probe against Sahara

The Supreme Court today rejected a public interest litigation (PIL) seeking a probe by the CBI and the ED into the transfer of 270 acres of land in Lucknow by state government to Sahara India 20 years ago, allegedly illegally.

A bench comprising the newly appointed Chief Justice RM Lodha and Justices M B Lokur and Kurian Joseph dismissed the PIL and expressed concern over the filing of such petitions in the Supreme Court.

"Don't bring such petition in the Supreme Court," the bench said. The apex court, however, allowed the petitioner to approach High Court in the matter.

"We are dismissing the petition but it will not come in the way for petitioner to approach the High Court," it said. The petitioner, Vishwanath Chaturvedi, contended that land, which was meant to develop park and playground, was illegally allotted to the group.

"It is respectfully submitted that the state government acquired large tracts of agricultural land of several villages in Tehsil & District Lucknow from farmers for public purpose.

''Out of the aforesaid acquired land, 270 acres of land which is the subject matter of present petition was illegally transferred to Sahara India though the land use of the same was demarcated under the Lucknow Master Plan as green belt, play grounds, parks etc," he said.