W.P. (C) 204/2014
PIL on corruption in the management of Defence lands
The Comptroller & Auditor General of India has submitted a number of reports in the last few years, highlighting the massive irregularities and rank mismanagement noticed in the audit of defence lands. Common Cause and CPIL have filed the present Public Interest Litigation to seek the intervention of the Supreme Court to remedy this situation and protect the national patrimony constituted by the vast tracts of lands under the management of the Defence Ministry from further erosion. The petition seeks systemic reforms as well as Court-monitored CBI investigation into the illegalities and irregularities in the management of defence lands. It prays for constitution of an independent task force for comprehensive audit of defence lands, recovery of defence lands under encroachment and reparation of losses occasioned to public exchequer on account of their unauthorized and commercial use, appointment of an expert committee for recommending systemic reform in management of defence lands and direction to UOI to take over defence land being commercially exploited or under unauthorized use of private parties and ensure that the revenue generated from such use is accounted to the consolidated funds of India.
The Union of India has filed its additional affidavit in the matter, and a rejoinder was filed by the Society in August 2017, refuting the contentions.
Following a significant delay since January 3, 2019, the matter was revisited on May 7, 2025. During the hearing, our counsel underscored the urgent need to establish an independent committee comprising at least three experts, including one representative from the Comptroller and Auditor General of India. In response, the Solicitor General requested and was granted four weeks to obtain necessary instructions.
Meanwhile, the Supreme Court directed that a fresh status report addressing all issues outlined in its earlier order dated July 11, 2017, be submitted within four weeks. The matter was scheduled for further hearing on July 30, 2025.
On July 30, 2025, in compliance with the Court’s May 7 directive, the Attorney General submitted an Office Memorandum dated July 14, 2025, formally constituting the independent committee. Additionally, a status report was electronically filed on behalf of the Union of India, Ministry of Defence, and the Directorate General of Defence Estates. This report detailed several initiatives undertaken, including:
- Complete computerisation of land records, including mutation entries;
- Removal of encroachments on defence land;
- Recovery of land allegedly misused by private individuals;
- Establishment of an independent regulatory body for land management;
- Resolution of surplus land issues;
- Disciplinary action against responsible officials.
The Court accepted the status report and granted the Attorney General two months to update the Court on the progress made. The matter is now scheduled for further consideration on October 15, 2025. In the meantime, the Court has directed that a fresh status report be filed.
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WP 204 of 2014
Order Jan 03, 2019
Order_07-May-2025
Order_30-Jul-2025
