**Supreme Court Orders New SIT to Investigate Noida Land Acquisition Scandal**
The Supreme Court has mandated the establishment of a new Special Investigation Team (SIT) to investigate alleged collusion between officials of the Noida Authority and private builders. This inquiry is in response to claims that such collusion resulted in farmers receiving inflated compensation for land acquisition. The decision follows findings from a previous SIT, also formed by the Supreme Court, which revealed that officials and builders collaborated to facilitate excessive payments to farmers, significantly exceeding the approved compensation amounts.
The court expressed serious concerns regarding corruption and the misuse of public funds stemming from these practices. The newly formed SIT will comprise three Indian Police Service (IPS) officers, along with specialists from the Forensic Accounts Department (FAD) and the Economic Offences Wing (EOW). Their primary responsibility will be to conduct a comprehensive forensic audit of the properties and assets owned by Noida officials and their families over the last decade, aiming to uncover any illicit financial gains.
In addition to the investigation, the Supreme Court has urged the Uttar Pradesh government to consider transforming Noida into a Metropolitan Council. The state has also been instructed to present the previous SIT’s findings to the Council of Ministers to facilitate discussions on necessary reforms in Noida’s administration.
To enhance oversight and combat corruption, the court has directed the immediate appointment of a senior IPS officer or a Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) officer as Noida’s Chief Vigilance Officer. This official will be tasked with the ongoing monitoring of the authority’s activities. Furthermore, the court has called for the establishment of a Citizens Advisory Board to engage local residents in decision-making processes, thereby promoting greater transparency in governance.
These measures are designed to restore public trust and ensure accountability in the development and land acquisition processes in Noida.
**FAQ**
**What is the purpose of the new SIT formed by the Supreme Court?**
The new SIT is tasked with investigating alleged collusion between Noida Authority officials and private builders, focusing on inflated compensation payments to farmers during land acquisition.
