On January 23, 2025, the Supreme Court of India, in a significant move, formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate the allegations of excessive land compensation payments made to landowners by officials of the New Okhla Industrial Development Authority (NOIDA). The Court’s decision follows accusations that certain landowners received compensation far exceeding their legal entitlement, raising concerns about the transparency and fairness of NOIDA’s practices.
Background of the Case
The case revolves around allegations of corruption, where NOIDA officials are accused of awarding landowners compensation far above the legal amount they were entitled to under court judgments. These excess payments are believed to have been made for improper reasons, including quid pro quo arrangements. The petition for anticipatory bail, filed by a legal officer of NOIDA, highlighted these concerns and led to the formation of the SIT.
Key Members of the Special Investigation Team (SIT)
The SIT established by the Supreme Court comprises a team of experienced officers tasked with investigating the matter thoroughly:
- Shri S.B. Shiradkar: IPS, Additional Director General of Police, Lucknow Zone.
- Shri Modak Rajesh D. Rao: IPS, Inspector General, CBCID.
- Shri Hemant Kutiyal: IPS, Commandant, Uttar Pradesh Special Range Security Battalion.
These officers have been entrusted with investigating the excessive compensation payments and ensuring that NOIDA’s actions align with principles of transparency and fairness.
Scope and Mandate of the SIT
The SIT’s investigation will cover several key areas:
- Compensation Discrepancies: The SIT will assess whether the compensation paid to landowners was greater than what they were entitled to based on previous court judgments.
- Identification of Responsible Officials: The investigation will identify the officials responsible for sanctioning the excessive payments.
- NOIDA’s Transparency: The team will examine whether NOIDA’s functioning lacked transparency, fairness, and commitment to public interest.
- Collusion Investigations: The SIT will also explore any potential collusion between landowners and NOIDA officials.
The team has been directed to submit its findings in a sealed report within two months, with the freedom to investigate any related issues that may arise during the process.
Remarks on the Previous Probe and Allegations of Harassment
The Supreme Court criticized the performance of a fact-finding committee previously established by the Uttar Pradesh government. The Court pointed out that the committee failed to address the broader issue of NOIDA’s operational transparency, as it focused only on specific cases and did not take a holistic approach.
Furthermore, landowners who received higher compensation have alleged harassment by NOIDA officials. The Supreme Court condemned these actions, stating that NOIDA could not intimidate landowners under the guise of excess compensation. It emphasized that NOIDA officials should not use their authority to pressure or penalize landowners for receiving compensation.
Bench’s Directives and Protection for Landowners
The bench, comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, issued crucial directives during the proceedings. They ordered that no coercive action be taken against the farmers and landowners involved unless prior permission is obtained from the Court. This ruling ensures that landowners will not be subject to undue penalties or harassment, even if they received higher compensation amounts.
Conclusion
The Supreme Court’s decision to form an SIT underscores its commitment to ensuring transparency, fairness, and public accountability. By appointing experienced officers and broadening the scope of the investigation, the Court aims to uncover any wrongdoing in NOIDA’s compensation process and protect the rights of the landowners.
Case Title : Virendra Singh Nagar v. State of Uttar Pradesh and another
