Rajasthan HC issues notices over SEZ

Jaipur, Apr 3 (UNI) Rajasthan High Court has sought a reply from central and state governments for illegal allotment of 3,000 acres of land for the development of Special Economic Zone (SEZ) here.

Admitting that rules have been flouted during the allotment, Justice R M Lodha and Dr Vineet Kothari gave the orders yesterday after hearing the PIL filed by petitioner Mohanlal.

According to the case, RIICO (Rajasthan State Industrial Development Corporation) alloted 3,000 acres of land on Ajmer Road to Messers Mahindra for development of Mahindra World City without any auction. The petition says the land was alloted flouting the rules under the Rajasthan Special Economic Zone Act 2003.

The petition says this indicates that the government had the intention of benefitting a certain company and that is why no tenders were invited. RIICO transfered the land to Mahindra in July 2005 and later in December, it started land acquisition from the poor farmers.

The petition has requested that the deal between RIICO and Mahindra be scrapped.

The High Court bench has issued showcause notices to central industry and finance secretary, state chief industry secretary, RIICO's managing director, Jaipur Development Authority Commissioner, Mahindra and Mahindra Ltd , Mumbai and Mahindra World City.

UNI