A Ludhiana resident has lodged a complaint with the Punjab Human Rights Commission accusing the Ludhiana Improvement Trust (LIT) of discriminatory practices in the allotment of residential plots. Ashish Chhabra claims that despite emerging as the highest bidder in multiple e-auctions, his bids were arbitrarily cancelled while similar or lower bids from other participants were accepted, pointing to a 'pick-and-choose' policy by the trust.
Complaint Details and Allegations
Chhabra, who also submitted complaints to the Deputy Commissioner and other authorities, stated that he has been seeking justice for months without success. He alleged that LIT officials are 'hand in glove' with certain beneficiaries and are adopting different standards for different bidders. He demanded an independent inquiry into the auction process.
According to the complaint, Chhabra participated in LIT e-auctions held in October 2025, January 2026, and March 2026 for 40-square-yard residential plots in E-Block of Shaheed Bhagat Singh Nagar. The reserve price for each plot was Rs 24 lakh.
October 2025 Auction
In the October 2025 auction, Chhabra emerged as the highest bidder for one plot with a bid of Rs 24.30 lakh. Another bidder, Naveen Chhabra, also became the highest bidder for a separate plot with an identical bid of Rs 24.30 lakh. Both auctions were cancelled by LIT.
January 2026 Auction
In the January 2026 auction, Ashish Chhabra (bid of Rs 25.30 lakh), Priti Chhabra (Rs 25.50 lakh), Shaleen Chhabra (Rs 25.40 lakh), and Tajinder Singh, who was the highest bidder for two separate plots with bids of Rs 25.60 lakh and Rs 25.70 lakh, were all denied allotments after the auctions were cancelled.
March 2026 Auction
In the March 2026 auction, Chhabra claimed he offered the highest bid of Rs 28.70 lakh, while Mohan Lal emerged as the highest bidder for another plot with Rs 28 lakh. Both auctions were again cancelled, according to the complaint.
LIT's Justification and Chhabra's Rebuttal
On each occasion, LIT cited the same reason: 'Auction cancelled due to low price as compared to earlier auctions.' However, Chhabra questioned the consistency of this decision. He attached auction records showing that plots in the same locality were sold earlier with only marginal increases over the reserve price. For example, Plot No 247-E was sold in August 2025 for Rs 24.40 lakh against a reserve price of Rs 24 lakh, and Plot No 253-E was sold in October 2025 for Rs 29 lakh. He also referred to Plot No 15-D, sold for Rs 45.60 lakh against a reserve price of Rs 45 lakh. Chhabra alleged that while these bids were accepted, other highest bidders were denied allotments on the ground that bids were too low.
Demand for Investigation
Chhabra has urged the Human Rights Commission and the district administration to investigate the alleged irregularities, fix responsibility if any wrongdoing is found, and ensure that the cancelled plots are allotted in a fair and transparent manner.
Response from LIT Chairman
LIT Chairman Tarsem Singh Bhinder said, 'The case is already under my knowledge and we are already in talking terms with my head office and we will look into the matter.'
