On the last occasion, Mr. Shakti Nath was directed to file affidavit before 19.11.2019 and the matter was directed to be tried for hearing on 26.11.2019. However, as this Bench was available for this day, the matter was posted today.
Learned Senior Counsel appearing for both sides had also no objection if the matter was taken up for hearing. Consequently, the matter was taken up for hearing.
We heard Dr. Abhishek Manu Singhvi and Mr. Dhruv Mehta, learned Senior Advocates for the petitioners and Mr. C.U. Singh and Mr. Sanjeev Puri, learned Senior Advocates for the respondents.
At the request of Dr. Singhvi, we adjourn this matter for three weeks to enable the petitioner to find a suitable buyer for the land in question. If a proposal is received from any prospective buyer, appropriate documents be placed on record, whereafter directions can be issued to effectuate the sale.
It is made clear that the sale shall be under the auspices of a public authority or a Court Officer and the entire sale consideration shall be deposited in the Registry of this Court.
In pursuance of order dated 15.09.2017, a sum of Rs. 20 crores was deposited by the petitioners in the Registry of this Court. From and out of jsaid money, Rs. 10 crores was made over to the respondent no. 1 by virtue of order dated 01.05.2018.
We direct that the balance amount of Rs. 10 crores along with accrued interest shall be remitted to respondent no. 1 by the Registry of this Court within two weeks from today.
Call this matter for further consideration on 09.12.2019. In the meantime, Mr. Shakti Nath shall file the appropriate affidavit as directed by the order dated 07.11.2019.