The Madhya Pradesh High Court has dismissed Bollywood actor Randeep Hooda’s petition seeking to prevent authorities from taking action against him for alleged construction near the Kanha Tiger Reserve.
The court deemed Hooda’s plea as non-maintainable and declined to quash a show-cause notice related to the construction in the reserve’s buffer zone. Justice GS Ahluwalia stated, “Whether petitioner (Hooda) is raising any construction or not, is a disputed question of fact which cannot be decided by this Court.”
The HC clarified it did not assess the allegations or Hooda’s defense. The proceedings will be resolved by the SDO (Revenue) in Baihar, Balaghat district, based on the evidence presented.
On June 18, the SDO issued a notice to Hooda, citing a report on unauthorized construction without necessary clearances and ordered an immediate halt to the work. Hooda was summoned to present relevant documents on June 19, prompting him to approach the HC.
The government lawyer argued the plea was premature. The court instructed that if Hooda requests a copy of the enquiry report, it should be provided within three days. If he seeks a spot inspection, it must be conducted by the Competent Authority with all parties present.
The court ordered, “The date (for spot inspection) so fixed by SDO (Revenue), Baihar, District Balaghat, shall be binding on all the Authorities as well as petitioner.” Failure to participate in the inspection would nullify Hooda’s claim of absence. Any objections to the inspection must be submitted within three days.
The SDO will decide the show-cause notice within 15 days of the spot inspection report. If Hooda does not apply for the report or inspection within 15 days, the court’s observations lose effect.
Hooda’s counsel argued the notice was issued on June 18, with a response required by the next day. The court noted that if a final order had been passed, Hooda could appeal.
Hooda’s petition sought to quash the June 18 notice and prevent coercive actions. Government Advocate Mohan Sausarkar dismissed the actor’s concerns about publicity as baseless, asserting that actions would adhere strictly to the law.
