Development authority mulls FIRs against defaulting colonisers

Ravneet Singh

Tribune News Service

Patiala, April 8

The Patiala Development Authority (PDA) has now decided to take action against colonisers, who developed residential and commercial colonies after the cut-off date of April 20, 2018, as per the regularisation policy.

Sources said they could either register FIRs against the colonisers or seal the registration of plots in those colonies, as per the provisions of the PRTPD Act.

The PDA had started sending notices to colonisers in March on the basis of internal inquiries under Sections 87 and 88 of the PRTPD Act. The sources said 22 notices had been sent for various colonies, of which the allotted time to respond was nearing completion.

Officials said the PDA had sent 14-15 notices over a month ago. “The office has received written responses from over seven of them. These will be dealt with later on the basis of their replies. Meanwhile, the office has decided to take immediate action against those who did not respond to the notices,” an official said.

They said the office was mulling the registration of FIRs against the defaulters. “They may seal the registrations of plots in such colonies or disconnect their electricity connections,” said officials.

Isha Singhal, estate officer of the PDA, said: “We had sent notices to over 22 colonisers. A file regarding the notices and replies has been submitted to the higher-ups for approval. I will be able to share the exact information only after it gets approved.”