What’s Next for the High-Profile Single Lease Case Involving Shanti Dhariwal?
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Synopsis
The Rajasthan High Court is set to continue hearings on the significant single lease case involving former Minister Shanti Dhariwal and others. With the Supreme Court's mandate pressing for a resolution, the case is drawing considerable attention. What implications could this have for those involved?
Key Takeaways
- The Rajasthan High Court is reviewing a critical corruption case.
- Former Minister Shanti Dhariwal is among the key figures involved.
- The Supreme Court has mandated a six-month resolution.
- The case has implications for public trust in governance.
- Legal proceedings are closely monitored due to their significance.
Jaipur, May 15 (NationPress) On Thursday, the Rajasthan High Court will continue its proceedings regarding the prominent single lease case involving former Minister Shanti Dhariwal, retired IAS officer G.S. Sandhu, and others.
The last hearing occurred on Wednesday, overseen by a bench led by Chief Justice M.M. Shrivastava, during which Sandhu articulated his position, asking the court to dismiss the case.
This case involves seven criminal petitions submitted by Dhariwal, Sandhu, RAS officer Nishkam Diwakar, and the former Deputy Commissioner Omkarmal Saini. These petitions are currently under review due to instructions from the Supreme Court, which mandated the High Court to resolve the issue within six months.
During the proceedings, Advocate S.S. Hora, representing Sandhu, informed the court that a 2005 application had requested a single lease for 3.43 hectares of land located in Todi Ramjanipura, Jaipur.
Since the area exceeded permissible limits, the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) sent the request to the state government, which initially turned it down.
Nevertheless, the application re-emerged in 2009, and the lease was ultimately approved in 2011. It was later canceled in 2013, leading Ramsharan Singh to file a complaint with the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) in 2014.
Sandhu contended that no criminal offense had taken place and pointed out that the state government had previously sought the withdrawal of the case from the ACB court. He, therefore, asked the High Court to dismiss the ongoing proceedings.
The “single lease” or Ekal Patta case traces back to June 29, 2011, when the JDA granted a lease to Shailendra Garg of Ganpati Construction. The cancellation of this lease in 2013, following the ACB complaint, set off a lengthy investigation that resulted in the arrest of several senior officials, including Sandhu, Diwakar, and Saini. Dhariwal, who was serving as a minister at that time, was also interrogated regarding his potential involvement.
A significant development occurred on November 15, 2022, when the High Court provided Dhariwal with relief by quashing a protest petition and halting proceedings against him in the ACB special court. His legal team argued that he was neither mentioned in the original FIR nor in the charge sheet, and that the ACB’s closure report revealed no direct evidence implicating him.
Despite this, new petitions were filed in the Supreme Court seeking a thorough review. The apex court subsequently instructed the High Court to hasten the hearings and deliver a verdict within a six-month timeframe.
Point of View
The ongoing legal proceedings surrounding Shanti Dhariwal highlight the critical need for transparency and accountability in public office. The implications of this case extend beyond the individuals involved, impacting public trust in governance. As legal experts navigate this complex situation, the outcome will likely set precedents for future cases involving allegations of corruption.
NationPress
26/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the high-profile single lease case about?
The case involves former Minister Shanti Dhariwal and others, focusing on allegations concerning a single lease of land that has been the subject of legal scrutiny and claims of corruption.
What role does the Supreme Court play in this case?
The Supreme Court has mandated the Rajasthan High Court to conclude the matter within six months, emphasizing the urgency of the proceedings.
Who are the key figures involved?
Key figures include Shanti Dhariwal, retired IAS officer G.S. Sandhu, RAS officer Nishkam Diwakar, and former Deputy Commissioner Omkarmal Saini.
What was the original decision regarding the lease?
Initially, the lease application was rejected by the state government but was later approved in 2011 before being cancelled in 2013 after an ACB complaint.
What is the significance of this case?
The case is significant as it addresses issues of corruption within the government and the accountability of public officials, impacting public trust in governance.
