SEZ–Non-SEZ Case: Speakers Demand Government Records, RTI Action and Transparency in Land Transfers and Project Approvals
New Delhi: A press conference held at the Press Club of India in New Delhi focused on questions concerning nearly 7,200 acres of land in Haryana’s Jhajjar and Gurugram districts associated with SEZ and non-SEZ projects.
International human rights defender Sardar Charanjit Singh and his associates called for greater transparency from the Haryana government and relevant authorities. They demanded access to original records concerning land acquisition, land-use changes, government land transfers and project-related approvals.
“We Want Government Documents”
Sardar Charanjit Singh said the campaign should not be viewed as an attempt to target any person or company. According to him, the primary objective is to verify the facts through official documentation.
The documents sought include information on stamp duty paid during land transactions, government exemptions or reimbursements, the reported change from an SEZ project to a non-SEZ project and approvals issued for the changes.
Land Valuation Becomes a Key Question
Speakers also discussed the reported rise in land value. They cited documents showing that buyers reportedly purchased the land for ₹20–22 lakh per acre. Developers later valued it at up to ₹24.20 crore per acre.
They stressed that these figures were raised for clarification, not as established facts. They said official records should clarify the actual circumstances and the interests of the original landowners.
HSIIDC and Government Land Records Sought
The speakers also requested disclosure, where legally permissible, of the HSIIDC joint venture agreement, government land transfer records, land valuation documents and relevant file notings and approvals.
They also sought information on the implementation of the reported 70% employment provision for Haryana residents connected with the project.
Call to Resolve Pending RTI Applications
The press conference also highlighted pending applications filed under the Right to Information Act, 2005. Speakers urged the authorities to dispose of such applications within the prescribed time limits.
They said public access to relevant records could clarify whether authorities followed the applicable rules during land acquisition, transfer and subsequent project changes.
Citizens Urged to Use Constitutional Means
Senior Supreme Court advocate Balraj Malik called on citizens to raise public-interest concerns through peaceful and constitutional methods. He emphasised that democratic participation does not end with voting but also includes the right to question institutions and seek accountability.
Transparency Remains the Main Demand
Sardar Charanjit Singh said the campaign seeks transparency, accountability and verified information. He urged authorities to publish statutory records on the SEZ–non-SEZ land matter. He added that officials should conduct an impartial inquiry if the records reveal any genuine legal or administrative irregularity.
