The Orissa High Court has taken a significant step in a long-standing land dispute by formally issuing a notice to the prestigious Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology (KIIT). This legal action comes in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) that questions the validity of the land allotment made to the university.
Court Scrutinizes Land Allocation Process
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Dr. S. Muralidhar and Justice G. Satapathy presided over the hearing. The bench directed the court registry to officially serve the notice to KIIT, represented by its counsel. The PIL, filed by advocate Subhranshu Padhi, alleges that the state government's decision to allocate land to the institute was flawed. The petition specifically challenges an order from December 2007 that granted 10 acres of land in the Jatni area of Khurda district to KIIT for establishing a medical college and hospital.
The core argument presented by the petitioner is that the allotment bypassed mandatory procedures. It is claimed that the land was transferred without following the standard process of inviting applications through a public advertisement. Furthermore, the petition states that the allotment was made on a nomination basis, which the petitioner contends is irregular. The petitioner has requested the court to declare the government's order as "illegal, arbitrary, and unconstitutional."
Key Arguments and Government's Stance
During the proceedings, the petitioner's counsel emphasized that the land in question was classified as "Abadi" land, which is typically meant for habitation. The argument put forward was that such land should not have been allotted for the purpose of constructing a medical college. This point raises questions about the suitability of the land use as per existing regulations and classifications.
On the other side, the state government, represented by its counsel, defended its decision. The government's legal team argued that the allotment was made in the larger public interest. They stated that the establishment of a medical college and hospital by KIIT would serve a crucial public need by enhancing healthcare infrastructure and medical education in the region. The government maintained that the decision was justified and taken with a focus on public welfare.
What Happens Next in the Legal Battle?
The court's issuance of a notice marks the formal beginning of a detailed judicial examination of the case. KIIT University is now required to submit its official response, presenting its defense and clarifying its position on the allegations. The court has scheduled the next hearing for four weeks later, giving all parties involved time to prepare their detailed arguments and submissions.
This case has drawn considerable attention as it involves a major educational institution in Odisha and touches upon issues of land use, governance, and procedural compliance. The outcome of this legal challenge could have implications for how land is allocated for public and educational purposes in the state. The High Court's final decision will determine whether the 2007 allotment stands or is nullified.
