Haryana gets tough with illegal public property holders

Chandigarh, Aug 5 (UNI) Haryana government has decided to get tough with those having illegal possession of public property.

Haryana cabinet today approved assembly committee recommendations for amendment of the Haryana Public Premises and Land (Eviction and Rent Recovery) Rules, 1973, to make it more effective and broadbased. The cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda, approved amendment in Rule 4 and Rule 6 laying detailed guidelines for serving notices and taking possession of public premises.

Regarding the notice, at first the notice was to be sent by registered AD to the person concerned at the first instance at his usual and last known place of residence or business.

In case the notice cannot be served to the person, it shall be delivered to any other adult member of his family and signatures obatained.

In case of refusal or unavailability of the person concerned the notice would be affixed on the outer door on some other conspicuous place or last known place of residence or business in the presence of two witnesses preferably of the same locality.

A report of endorsement to this effect shall be made to the collector who had issued the notice.

In case the notice is not served even by the above mentioned modes of service, it should be made public through local newspaper or public proclaimation.

Rule 6 regarding taking possession of the public premises, has been further broadbased.

It lays down that after an unauthorised person had been given reasonable opportunity of being heard, an eviction notice issued by the collector be communicated to him or be affixed on the conspicuous part of the public premises or ordinary place of residence or business of such person asking him to vacate the public premises within 30 days of the order conveyed or published.

If any person refuses or fails to comply with the eviction order, the collector or any other officer duly authorised by him, may obtain necessary police assistance to vacate the place.

The inventory of the articles found in the premises would be published in the local newspapers or displayed on the conspicuous part of the office of Gram Panchayat or Municipal Committee or Council, as the case may be.

If any public premises, of which possession was to be taken under the Act, was found locked, the collector or his representative, may either seal the premises or in the presence of two witnesses, break open the locks and open any door, gate or other barrier to enter the premises.

However, no entry shall be made for taking possession before sunrise or after sunset.

Where any public premises is forced open, inventory of the articles found in the premises would be prepared in the presence of two witnesses preferably of the locality in which the public premises was situated.

UNI JN MMS1928