The case concerns 5.19 bigha of government land in Lashkar, under Patwari Halka 61. A Judicial Magistrate had earlier ruled in favor of Yogesh Sharma and others for 5.30 bigha of land. The government’s appeal in the Additional Sessions Court was dismissed in 2003, followed by a second appeal in the High Court in 2006, which was also dismissed due to procedural lapses. The next hearing is scheduled for March 24, 2026.
The High Court highlighted serious delays and lapses in case management. A petition revealed the appeal was delayed by 3,277 days, during which the case file went missing from the Collectorate. The then-Collector, Ashok Verma, had previously held 12 officers responsible, but no corrective action was taken. The court ordered a formal inquiry into his conduct and the handling of the matter.
The Chief Secretary’s report notes that Verma retired on December 31, 2019. Direct departmental action is not possible under pension rules, as more than four years have passed since his retirement. However, by placing the court’s remarks and the inquiry report in Verma’s service record, authorities have ensured that any future post-retirement appointments or proposals will consider this censure.
The court also directed that departmental inquiries against four other officers found guilty be completed within four months, emphasizing accountability and timely resolution in government administration.
This case underscores the judiciary’s insistence on diligence and integrity among administrative officers and highlights the potential long-term consequences of negligence, even after retirement.
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