The Supreme Court on Thursday stayed an inquiry initiated against Madhya Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority’s Chairperson Ajeet Prakash Shrivastava on alleged complaint of corruption, misuse of official position, and regulatory violations, till April 2, the next date of hearing.
A Bench led by Justice JB Pardiwala sought response from the Madhya Pradesh government and others on a petition filed by Shrivastava and Madhya Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority and posted the matter for further hearing on April 2.
Shrivastava had sought directions for quashing the inquiry proceedings against him, which were pending before the inquiry committee constituted by the MP High Court.
Senior counsel Shyam Divan, appearing for Shrivastava, told the SC that the inquiry had been initiated in complete disregard and violation to the procedure prescribed under Rule 35 of the Madhya Pradesh Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Rules, 2017 and other provisions of the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016.
The Economic Offences Wing had last year started investigations in the matter on a complaint that alleged that Srivastava had manipulated the recruitment process for various RERA positions. Thereafter, the state government wrote to the state HC’s chief justice, who appointed Justice Maninder Singh Bhatti to probe the allegations. Justice Bhatti had issued a notice to Shrivastava and sought his reply by Friday.
