Search the Internet          Tips  Sites: Finance, Investment

Showcause notice to Baijal, Sterlite and Balco officials

In a new twist to the Balco controversy, a revenue court in Chhattisgarh has issued notices to the Union Divestment Secretary Pradeep Baijal, chairman and MD of Balco, S C Tripathy and Sterlite Group chief Anil Agarwal, asking them to appear before it personally on March 15 for alleged violation of Land Aquisition Act.

The notice was issued on Friday in connection with the transfer of lands of tribals to non-tribals through the divestment of Balco.

The sub-divisional magistrate (revenue) of Korba, Emil Lakara, issued the notices under section 170(a) and 170(b) of the land revenue code "on receiving information regarding change of ownership of PSU, the Bharat Aluminium Company (Balco) plant to a private company."

The centre on Friday sold its 51 per cent share in Balco to Sterlite group for Rs 5.51 billion.

In case of failure by the three respondents to be present, the court would decide exparte under the section 170(b) of the land revenue code, Lakara said.

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Ajit Jogi on Friday told the assembly that the notices were being issued by the revenue officials for trying to transfer tribal lands to non-tribal through divestment.

Tell us what you think of this report