Take action in Raksha Retreat case: HC to LDA

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/dehradun/Take-action-in-Raksha-Retreat-case-HC-to-LDA/articleshow/46692953.cms

NAINITAL: The Uttarakhand high court on Tuesday directed the Lake Development Authority (LDA) to take action in the Raksha Retreat Society case on the Bheemtal-Saat-taal Road after retired defence forces personnel filed a petition last November alleging that the builders had been putting up unauthorized buildings in premises meant solely for their society. LDA officials submitted an affidavit in court saying action would be initiated against those guilty.

The court has now asked the petitioners to withdraw their plea and approach the court again in case the LDA does not act in accordance with its affidavit.

Ashwani Dhatwalia, lawyer for the petitioners, told TOI, "We are thankful to the HC for taking our point as a valid one. LDA will now have to initiate action in the case."

The petition was heard by the single-judge bench of Justice Alok Singh.

The Raksha Retreat project was launched in 2006. The Noida-based Samiah International Builders Private Limited had advertised that construction would be completed by 2008. Nainital-based Shikhar Construction was responsible for what was termed "construction management" in the brochure put out to advertise the project, meant exclusively for the families of defence personnel.

A total of 116 families of defence personnel invested in the housing scheme. Around 87 families have moved into houses allotted to them. Allottees have been protesting that the builders have reneged on several promises made earlier. The quality of housing is substandard, and unauthorised construction had occurred in premises meant solely Raksha Retreat, petitioners said.

"I hope now, after the intervention of the judiciary, things will be better for us. It is now up to the officials of the LDA to take action and protect our rights," said 45-year-old Captain Ravee, now retired, who also serves as the president of Raksha Retreat Owners Welfare Society. He was among the first to move into the society.

A case was registered in December against Harish Joshi, director of Shikhar Construction for threatening veteran officers who resisted alleged illegal construction in the compound of the society. 

Take-action-in-Raksha-Retreat-case-HC-to-LDA