Action Taken on Illegal Land Exchange in Gonda Following Commissioner's Orders

गोण्डा | बी पी त्रिपाठी

Revenue Administration Takes Strict Action

The revenue administration in the Karnailganj tehsil of Gonda district has taken stringent action in a major case involving the illegal exchange of valuable Gram Sabha land. Following directives from Commissioner Durga Shakti Nagpal, the court of the Additional Commissioner Administration II passed its final order in the matter on October 28, 2026.

Campaign for Land Record Integrity

This action is part of a comprehensive campaign underway in the Devi Patan division to maintain the integrity of revenue records and protect public properties. The case pertained to the exchange of prime barren, newly fallow, and pasture land belonging to Gram Sabha Narayanpur Majha, situated along the Gonda-Lucknow National Highway, with land owned by private account holders.

Irregularities and Forged Documents Uncovered

During surveillance, it was discovered that significant irregularities were committed during the land exchange process. Objections raised revealed that the land transferred to the Gram Sabha by private account holders was recorded in revenue records as riverbed, floodplain, and fallow land. The most shocking aspect of the investigation was the revelation concerning the order dated July 19, 1996, which facilitated this exchange. The then Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Gyan Prakash Awasthi, in a letter dated August 16, 2003, explicitly denied his signature on these documents, deeming them forged. This disclosure cast serious doubt on the legality of the entire exchange process.

Investigation Confirms Illegality

Furthermore, an investigation report submitted by the Tehsildar on July 31, 2003, had already declared the exchange completely illegal. These factual revelations underscored the gravity of the case at the administrative level.

Court Takes a Stern Stance

The court adopted a firm stance throughout the proceedings, with the Divisional Government Advocate V.P. Tiwari strongly representing the government and the Gram Sabha. The hearing was conducted under Section 333 of the Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, 1950. The court has taken a rigorous approach to this entire matter.

"Ensuring complete transparency in matters related to government land and preventing any form of illegal occupation or exchange is the top priority of the administration. Strict legal action will be taken against those found involved in such cases." - Commissioner Durga Shakti Nagpal

This action is considered a significant step towards the preservation of government assets.