Airstrip sold fraudulently, HC slams Ferozepur DC for inaction

An airstrip used by Indian armed forces during the 1962, 1965 and 1971 Wars was fraudulently sold in 1997, allegedly in connivance with revenue officials.

Taking a note of the allegations, the High Court has directed the Chief Director, Vigilance Bureau, Punjab, to personally “verify the veracity of the allegations”.

He was also asked to take “necessary action”, if required

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 at Fattuwala village. Hearing the petition, Justice Harpreet Singh Brar rapped the Ferozepur Deputy Commissioner for his inaction despite multiple requests from the Army and a previous court order.

“The flabbergasting laxity displayed by the Deputy Commissioner, Ferozepur, in the matter pertaining to the defence of the nation is ineffable and inexcusable,” the court said. “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,” it asserted.

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 advanced landing ground.

The land was allegedly sold in 1997 through five sale deeds after the “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 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 was told that the Deputy Commissioner was directed to conclude an inquiry within six weeks vide order dated December 21, 2023, after the petitioner approached the court earlier also.

The next hearing is scheduled for July 3.

Punjab