HC reserves judgement on allotment of land to Prakash Jha

Patna, Nov 16 (UNI) Taking strong note of the allotment of hundred acres of land to Director Prakash Jha for construction of multiplexes in different districts, Patna High Court today sought to know from Bihar government, how shopping malls and multiplexes fall under Industry department.

While hearing a Public Interest Litigation petition filed by Chief Spokesman of State Congress Prem Chandra Mishra, a division bench of the court, comprising Justice Aftab Alam and Justice Rekha Kumari, asked the state government to clarify how such constructions were incorporated under the industries department which had allotted land to Mr Jha.

Advocate General, P K Shahi informed the court that construction of such complexes come under the industry policy of the state and in view of this fact the industry department made the allotment.

The court reserved its verdict on the case, related to allotment of land by Bihar government to Mr Jha. It also took the original file of the case.

Appearing for the petitioner, senior lawyer M P Gupta pointed out that Mr Jha had applied for allotment of lands in Sitamarhi, Muzaffarpur and Vaishali on February 6, 2006 and he was allotted the same on February 8, 2006.

The petitioner counsel raised the matter about the ''pressing'' circumstances that led to clearance of the matter so urgently.

He also raised the issue, how Mr Jha was allotted several acres of land belonging to farmers, which was their source of livelihood, and how setting up of multiplexes could be justified.

State government had earlier allotted land to Mr Jha in Patna, Vaisahali, West Champaran and other districts for setting up of shopping malls.

Through a public interest petition, Mr Mishra had challenged the said allotment alleging violation of rules and regulations as no tender was floated in this connection.

UNI XC-RS JYN BDP ND1822