SIT to probe NOIDA officials' collusion in twin tower case

In Uttar Pradesh a  Special Investigation Team SIT has been set up to probe and fix accountability of Noida officials in Spuertech twin tower unauthorised construction and demolition order by the Supreme Court. An official has already been put under suspension in the case following SC order. Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has ordered the setting up of a SIT. It will investigate the collusion between Noida authority and the real estate company, into Supertech illegal construction of two 40- storey twin towers namely Apex and Ceyane. SIT will investigate in time bound manner to fix the accountability of officers of the authority who were associated with this case from 2004 to 2017.

Chief Minister has said that strict action will be taken against the guilty officials in the Noida illegal twin towers construction case.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday, upheld the Allahabad High Court's verdict that had ordered the demolition of twin towers. A judgement passed by the two-judge bench of the apex court headed by Justice DY Chandrachud and comprising Justice MR Shah said that the construction was illegal and the result of collusion between Noida authority and the real estate company Supertech. In its order the court has directed the Supertech to refund the money of flat owners concerned with a 12 per cent rate of interest within two months.

The Allahabad High Court in its order on April 11, 2014, had directed for demolition of twin towers. It was the relentless pursuit of justice over a decade by a group of senior citizens that resulted in the Supreme Court's order for demolition. In 2009, four residents from sector 93 Noida went up against Supertech's plan for twin towers. They had accused the real state company for raising twin towers in violation of building bye-laws. They moved the court against the illegal construction. Supertech Ltd had approached the apex court against the high court order and a status quo was ordered. In its judgement the top court has said that the case record is replete with instances which highlight the collusion between officers of the Noida Authority with Supertech and its management and involvement of the planning authority with the developer in violation of laws. Meanwhile Supertech has said that it would file a review petition over the order.  Noida Authority has said it will ensure full compliance of the SC's verdict and ensure action against its officials who are found guilty of violation in the case.