New Delhi, Jan 20 (BVI) United News of India (UNI) news agency, under its new owner The Statesman Ltd, has attracted judicial scrutiny for its major construction activities at its headquarters here situated at 9, Rafi Marg, near Parliament House complex, which have been objected to by the central Government, the Lessor of the property.
According to insiders of UNI, several sheds have been built at the property, an activity said to be illegal and in contravention of rules prevailing in the prime area of Delhi.
The construction activities were carried out by the new owner The Statesman Ltd soon after it acquired the financially-distressed UNI company through an Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) process in February last year.
The matter of constructions is currently being heard by the Delhi High Court where the government has submitted that “permission” for “repair work” cannot be given.
The government submission came in response to the contention by UNI, now owned by The Statesman Ltd, that only “repairs” of the old building were carried out and no “fresh” constructions were undertaken at the premises.
This was false and misleading submission by UNI, according to company insiders, who insist, with photographic evidence, that new structures, like sheds, were built between April and October last year.
Constructions, which alter the basic structure and design of the premises, are not allowed on the leased property without the permission of the Lessor, i.e, the Central government.
Making changes to the original design through new constructions is not allowed also because the central government has cancelled the lease of UNI in March 2023.
Additionally, Press Council of India (PCI) is an allottee of this prime plot of land, whose total FAR is 5289.52 sq meters. PCI has been allotted 2644.76 s meters by the government.
The government had leased out the plot of land, originally having a Lutyens’ type bungalow, to UNI because it was a Trust owned by owners of various newspapers.
Accordingly, UNI has been occupying this plot of land for decades.
Some years back, the government allotted 2644.76 sq meters out of total FAR PCI, which has been since been unsuccessfully trying to take possession.
In March 2023, the government cancelled the lease of UNI and asked it to vacate the premises immediately for violation of the lease requirement of constructing a joint multi-storey building along with PCI.
This cancellation order was challenged by UNI in the High Court, which stayed its execution till the matter was heard by it.
However, when PCI and Land & Development Office (L&DO), under the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), came to know about the construction activities at the legally-disputed premises, they filed a petition in the High Court to seek a stay on these.
The matter is listed for further hearing on February 5. (BVI)
