Ambala Land Dispute Decision Reversed Over Suspected Bias

Ambala, Aug 25 (PTI): The Ambala divisional commissioner Sanjeev Verma has overturned a recent decision made by his predecessor regarding a longstanding land dispute near Panchkula. A September 13, 2023, order issued by then divisional commissioner Renu Phulia, which lifted a two-decade-long stay on the sale and purchase of a 14-acre land parcel, has been set aside.

The original stay was placed in 2003 by the collector (agrarian) of Panchkula, concerning a parcel of land previously owned by a former ruler. Allegations surfaced that Phulia's family members were preparing to buy parts of this land, with claims that her husband, now a retired IAS officer, and her son had already made arrangements to purchase a portion.

Subsequent actions were put on hold when Panchkula revenue officials raised concerns about discrepancies in the dealings. It was alleged that Renu Phulia swiftly adjudicated a petition submitted by the brother of a former IAS officer, who had sought to register approximately 12 acres of this contested land.

In response, Sanjeev Verma, in his August 19 order, reversed Phulia's decision. "The prospective buyers, her husband (now retired IAS officer SS Phulia) and son, indicate clear malafide intentions in the decision dated September 13, 2023," Verma stated.

Verma further noted the evident personal interest of the then presiding officer in the matter, as an agreement to purchase the land had already been established between her husband and son. The disputed land in Beed Firozadi village, Panchkula, was once under the heirs of a former king's ownership. Verma's decision follows an application by the collector (Agrarian), Panchkula, to reconsider the earlier removal of the stay.