The Supreme Court has instructed the Uttar Pradesh government to establish a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to look into the alleged illegal sale and transfer of lands belonging to the Spiritual Regeneration Movement Foundation of India, which was founded under the guidance of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. This directive came while hearing an appeal against an interim order issued by the Allahabad High Court that had previously restrained the filing of a chargesheet related to a First Information Report (FIR) registered at the Noida Sector 39 police station.

A Bench consisting of Justice JK Maheshwari and Justice Atul S Chandurkar emphasized the need for a thorough investigation. Advocate Hemant Shah represented the petitioner during the Supreme Court proceedings. The court mandated that the SIT operate under the supervision of the Uttar Pradesh Chief Secretary and that the Registrar of Societies be included among its members.

The SIT is tasked with identifying all lands owned by the society and investigating how those properties were allegedly transferred or alienated without the organisation’s approval. The Supreme Court also ordered that a fact-finding inquiry should be completed within three months, with the findings submitted to the relevant police authorities.

Criminal Charges Expected Following Investigation

The Supreme Court has permitted criminal action to proceed wherever fraudulent activity and criminal intent are discovered during the investigation. It set aside the Allahabad High Court’s direction that had previously stayed the filing of a chargesheet. The court instructed the Investigating Officer to conclude the investigation and file a police report in accordance with Section 193(3) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).

Reports indicate that multiple FIRs have already been filed across various states, alleging that individuals claiming to be office bearers were involved in the fraudulent sale of society lands. Despite active civil and criminal litigation, it has been reported that the properties continue to be sold through purportedly forged documents.

Furthermore, the Bench clarified that the lands in question are categorized as freehold properties belonging to the society, not as government lease lands. The Court also referenced the judgment in the case of Neeharika Infrastructure Pvt Ltd vs State of Maharashtra, reminding that courts should refrain from issuing blanket interim orders that hinder the process of criminal investigation.

Court Ensures Cooperative Inquiry and Upholds Rule of Law

While granting interim protection from coercive action to the second respondent until the investigation concludes, the Supreme Court urged all accused individuals to fully cooperate with the SIT and the police. It reiterated the importance of the investigation being conducted impartially and within the parameters of the law to uphold the rule of law.

The Supreme Court remarked that the society was established for public welfare and spiritual development, stressing that it should not be misused by internal groups for personal gain. The court’s directive signifies its firm stance on ensuring that the properties of the Maharishi Mahesh Yogi society are protected from fraudulent activities.

As the investigation commences, the SIT will play a crucial role in clarifying the circumstances surrounding the land transfers and ensuring that any illegal activities are addressed appropriately. The findings of the SIT are anticipated to have significant implications for all parties involved.

Long or Short, get news the way you like. No ads. No redirections. Download Newspin and Stay Alert, The CSR Journal Mobile app, for fast, crisp, clean updates!

App Store –  https://apps.apple.com/in/app/newspin/id6746449540 

Google Play Store – https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.inventifweb.newspin&pcampaignid=web_share