HC reserves order on PIL seeking CBI probe into Vadra land deal

The Delhi High Court has reserved its order on a PIL seeking CBI probe into the controversial issue of grant of licences to several real estate developers in Haryana, including the one allegedly to have been granted to Robert Vadra, son-in-law of Congress chief Sonia Gandhi.

A division bench of chief justice G Rohini and Justice RS Endlaw, after brief arguments in the case, said "We will consider this issue."

"First satisfy us on the issue of jurisdiction of this court," the bench said

The court has not so far issued a notice on the PIL, filed by advocate ML Sharma, who stated that the Haryana authorities issued several licences to developers and builders for turning 21,366 acres of agricultural land into colonies without complying with the statutory rules

The decision caused "serious financial loss of Rs.3.9 lakh crore" to the exchequer, according to the PIL.

The PIL contends that the issue of licences for developing colonies was contrary to provisions of the Haryana Development and Regulation of Urban Areas Act, 1975.

It further sought quashing of the 3 June 2013 letter by Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) Shashi Kant Sharma allegedly rolling back the audit and inquiry into the grant of licence to Skylight Hospitality (Pvt) Ltd that is said to be associated with Vadra.

The inquiry was ordered by Shashi Kant Sharma's predecessor Vinod Rai, according to the PIL.

Sharma claimed that the department of town and country planning (DTCP) issued hundreds of licences for over 21,366 acres of land spread over Gurgaon and other parts of the state from 2005-2012.

"Issuing of colony licences by the DTCP in Haryana in the name of an individual who is not owner of a land is not only illegal but also clear case of corruption within the provision of Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

"To support or give undue favour is a corruption that has been hatched in the Haryana colony licence deal for Robert Vadra and others," the PIL stated.

The PIL has sought registration of criminal cases against Skylight Hospitality, Robert Vadra and DLF Universal Limited under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Besides, the petition sought a probe into the land deals entered into by Skylight Hospitality (Pvt) Ltd and its subsidiaries in Rajasthan as well.

(Also see: Haryana slaps probe on Vadra deal 'whistleblower' Khemka).