The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Uttar Pradesh Vigilance Department to take over the investigation into FIRs registered in connection with the alleged irregularities in enhancement of land compensation to landowners in Noida, relieving the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted earlier by the Court of its investigative responsibilities.
Appearing for the State, counsel informed the Bench that six FIRs had been registered, including three relating to criminal conspiracy and three under the Prevention of Corruption Act, pursuant to the Court’s earlier directions. It was submitted that, as the allegations primarily involved corruption by public servants, the investigation ought to be carried out by the State’s specialised vigilance agency.
Accepting the submission, the Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchiand Justice V Mohana observed that there was merit in entrusting the investigation to an expert agency dealing with corruption and economic offences.
The Court directed that the entire SIT report be handed over to the Vigilance Department, which shall take over the investigation forthwith. Directing expeditious completion of the probe, the Bench ordered that:
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“An endeavour shall be made to complete the investigation as early as possible, but not later than three months.”
The Court clarified that neither its earlier orders nor the present order should be construed as expressing any opinion on the merits of the allegations. The Bench further observed that if there is any undue delay in completion of the investigation or consequential prosecution, any aggrieved person would be at liberty to approach the Court for appropriate directions.
Counsel appearing for farmers requested that the interim protection granted to them in earlier proceedings continue. The Court noted that the earlier protection had already been made absolute and assured counsel that the present order would not affect the protection already granted.
According to the status report placed before the Court, the SIT found prima facie material against several officials. The report alleges that government officers and other persons demanded money from farmers on the pretext of securing release or enhancement of land compensation, leading to registration of multiple FIRs. The Court has now left it to the Vigilance Department to carry the investigation to its logical conclusion.