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SC seeks Hooda, AJL response in CBI Panchkula plot re-allotment appeal
The Supreme Court on May 4, 2026, sought the response of former Haryana chief minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and Associated Journals Limited (AJL) in the CBI appeal challenging a High Court order that quashed charges in the Panchkula plot re-allotment case. The HC had quashed the charges on February 25, 2026, stating no prima facie case, and had set aside the April 16, 2021 CBI court order. The matter was posted for further hearing in July 2026.
Why It Matters
The case involves alleged corruption related to the re-allotment of land and involves a former chief minister and a major publication group, with potential legal and political implications in Haryana and India.
Timeline
11 Events
Article about developments published (May 5, 2026)
May 5, 2026
The article reporting these Supreme Court developments was published.
SC seeks Hooda and AJL response; notices issued (May 4, 2026)
May 4, 2026
The Supreme Court bench issued notice on the CBI appeal challenging the HC judgment and sought the response of Hooda and AJL, posting the matter for further hearing in July.
High Court quashes charges; sets aside 2021 order (February 25, 2026)
February 25, 2026
The High Court quashed the entire case against Hooda and AJL, holding lack of a prima facie case and set aside the April 16, 2021 CBI court order framing charges.
Special CBI court charges; HC order later set aside (April 16, 2021)
April 16, 2021
An order dated April 16, 2021 of a special CBI court framed charges under IPC Sections 120-B and 420 and the Prevention of Corruption Act, which was later set aside by the High Court.
CBI chargesheet Hooda and AJL (December 2018)
December 2018
The CBI chargesheeted Hooda and AJL in December 2018 in connection with the re-allotment of the Panchkula plot, alleging loss to the public exchequer.
CBI takes over the case (2017)
2017
The Central Bureau of Investigation took over the case in 2017 when the BJP was in power in Haryana.
Case first registered by state vigilance bureau (2016)
2016
The case regarding the Panchkula plot saw its first registration by the state vigilance bureau in 2016.
Re-allotment by Hooda government (2005)
2005
In 2005, after Hooda became chief minister, the government re-allotted the plot in favour of AJL.
Allotment cancelled for non-construction (1996)
1996
In 1996, AJL sought restoration of the plot, but the allotment was cancelled due to non-construction within the stipulated period, and appeals against cancellation were dismissed.
Plot allotted by HUDA in August 1982
August 1982
HUDA allotted a plot measuring less than an acre in August 1982 at ₹91 per square yard, with 25% deposit required and possession handed over.
AJL applies for land allotment for National Herald office
1981
AJL applied for allotment of land to establish an office of Daily National Herald for Nav Jiwan (Hindi edition) in 1981.