Nanavati panel not to insist on affidavits

By Our Staff Reporter

NEW DELHI, DEC. 13

The Justice Nanavati Commission of Inquiry, appointed to probe the coming up of unauthorised colonies and constructions in the National Capital Territory of Delhi, will accept statements and information without a supporting affidavit relating to the matters to be inquired by the Commission until January 5.

All individuals, groups of people, association, institutions or organisations having knowledge -- direct or indirect -- of facts can furnish a statement without any affidavit before the Commission on any working day, either in person or through registered post.

According to a Government press release issued here today, the Commission had earlier invited statements, accompanied by an affidavit, in support of the facts set out in the statements sworn by the persons. However, it appears that it would serve the purpose better, if persons are invited to place before the Commission the true facts and information even without a supporting affidavit. If a person, submitting the statement before the Commission, desires that his/her identity may not be disclosed, such persons should specifically mention so.

A Commission of Inquiry, headed by Mr.Justice G.T. Nanavati, a retired Judge of the Supreme Court of India, was appointed by the Union Urban Development Minister, Mr. Jagmohan, in August 2000, to inquire into coming up of unauthorised colonies and constructions in the NCT after March 31, 1993 and illegal constructions, irrespective of the date, in the green belt, including the Sainik Farms, which have seriously undermined the objective of planned development of Delhi and caused severe strains on the civic infrastructure and also lowered the general quality of life.

The Commission shall also identify and fix responsibility of the individual or groups of people or public servants who have caused or aided or abetted or in any way connived at the setting up of these colonies or their growth. It will also identify and fix responsibility of public servants who have failed to take effective action to check violations of the laws.

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