Land used in 3 wars sold off in 1997, HC ropes in Vigilance Bureau; slams DC for “flabbergasting laxity”

The airstrip used by the Indian Armed Forces during 1962, 1965 and 1971 wars was fraudulently sold off in 1997, allegedly in connivance with revenue officials. Taking note of the allegations and apparent bureaucratic indifference to national security, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed Punjab Chief Director, Vigilance Bureau, to personally and dispassionately “verify the veracity of the allegations”. He was also asked to take “necessary action” if required.

The directions came as Justice Harpreet Singh Brar rapped Ferozepur Deputy Commissioner for his inaction despite multiple requests from the Army and a previous court order: “The flabbergasting laxity displayed by the Ferozepur Deputy Commissioner in a matter pertaining to defence of the nation is ineffable and inexcusable. It is rather unfortunate that the Army, tasked with protecting the sovereignty of the nation, has been constrained to approach the Governor of Punjab… Such reckless behaviour… can cause a breach that would endanger the lives of the citizens and greatly compromise national security,” Justice Brar asserted.

The directions came on a petition filed by Nishan Singh seeking an inquiry by the CBI or any other independent agency into the sale of land in Fattuwala village being used by the Indian Armed Forces. The Bench, during the course of hearing, was told that the land acquired by the Union of India in 1937-38 was being used by the Indian Armed Forces as an airstrip and advance landing ground.

It was operationally employed during the wars of 1962, 1965, and 1971. But it was allegedly sold off in 1997 through five sale deeds after manipulation of revenue records long after original owner Madan Mohan Lal passed away in 1991. The Army never transferred the land’s possession to them. But the names of private individuals surfaced in the official revenue record for 2009-10.

The Bench was also told that a detailed letter was sent by the Administrative Commandant, Ferozepur Cantonment, to the Commissioner concerned, requesting him to hold an inquiry “as the act had compromised the security and defence of the nation”.

The Bench further asserted that Ferozepur DC was also directed to conclude an inquiry within six weeks vide order dated December 21, 2023, after the petitioner approached the court earlier also. “The executive has shown concerning indifference towards such a sensitive matter. This apathy has caused the Army department concerned to approach the Governor of Punjab vide letter dated February 24, requesting him to address the Army’s concerns as the DC has failed to do so. In light of the current political climate, the redressal of this grievance becomes all the more urgent,” the petitioner had added.

“While we may not be able to actively assist the soldiers, the least that can be expected of the bureaucracy is not to create unjustified hindrances for them. In view of the facts and circumstances of the case, the court finds it apposite to implead the Chief Director, Vigilance Bureau, Punjab, as a respondent,” Justice Brar asserted. The case will now come up on July 3.

Punjab