Supreme Court receives committee’s report on alleged fraud in compensation distribution by Noida Authority

In the ongoing case of purported fraudulent practices in compensation distribution within the Noida Authority, the committee formed by the Supreme Court has submitted its report. The Supreme Court expressed dissatisfaction with the report generated by the committee appointed by the Uttar Pradesh (UP) government. The court had previously directed the UP government to investigate the alleged fraudulent practices seriously. Furthermore, the Supreme Court expanded the scope of the committee’s inquiry.

Examination of Significant Land Acquisitions

The Supreme Court has taken a stern stance regarding the alleged fraudulent practices in compensation distribution within the Noida Authority. It has directed the committee formed by the UP government to investigate the seriousness of the alleged fraudulent activities related to compensation distribution. Additionally, the Supreme Court has emphasized the need to scrutinize all significant land acquisitions made by the Noida Authority in the last 10 to 15 years. Moreover, the court has called for an examination of departmental inquiries conducted by the Noida Authority if any irregularities or involvement of officers are found during compensation distribution in recent years.

The next hearing, in this case, is scheduled for January 17, 2024. The Supreme Court has given the committee, formed by the UP government, the last opportunity to complete its investigation and submit a report within four weeks.

Background of the Case

The Supreme Court had formed a committee to investigate alleged fraudulent practices in compensation distribution within the Noida Authority. The court took up the case based on a petition highlighting that landowners were compensated without proper legal procedures by the Noida Authority. An FIR was registered in this regard, but there was no investigation against officials of the Noida Authority. The Uttar Pradesh state government’s court had hesitated to conduct the investigation. The Supreme Court, during the hearing, remarked that this case is not an isolated incident.

The case in the Supreme Court posed a challenge to an order of the Allahabad High Court. The High Court had rejected the anticipatory bail of the petitioners, two officials of the Noida Authority, and a landowner. They were accused of making improper payments of INR 7,26,80,427 as compensation without proper legal rights, allegedly engaging in criminal conspiracy.