Gujarat Government Allocates Controversial Plot to Yusuf Pathan
The Gujarat government has approved the allotment of a disputed plot in Vadodara to cricketer Yusuf Pathan, resolving a long-standing legal battle.
Yusuf Pathan has been seeking the 978-square-meter plot since 2012.
The allotment includes 500 square meters for free residential use and 478 square meters at 55% of market value.
Pathan's legal disputes over the land have spanned over a decade, culminating in this government decision.
The Gujarat government has officially sanctioned the allotment of a contentious 978-square-meter plot in Vadodara to former cricketer and current Lok Sabha MP Yusuf Pathan. This decision comes after years of legal disputes and follows Pathan's recent departure from the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The Vadodara Municipal Corporation (VMC) confirmed that the allotment aligns with the state's policy aimed at supporting international sportspersons.
Pathan's quest for the land, which is adjacent to his residence in Tandalja, dates back to 2012. Initially, he applied for a 99-year lease due to security concerns. The VMC had previously approved a proposal for the plot at ₹57,270 per square meter, but the state government rejected it in June 2014, citing the absence of a public auction. Despite this, Pathan continued to occupy the land and constructed a boundary wall, leading to a series of legal challenges.
Under the recent government resolution, 500 square meters of the plot will be allotted to Pathan free of charge for residential purposes, while the remaining 478 square meters will be provided at 55% of its assessed market value, which is approximately ₹20.50 crore. The resolution, dated August 13, was received by the VMC on August 29, and Pathan subsequently withdrew his appeal against a Gujarat High Court order that had dismissed his claim to the land.
The implications of this decision extend beyond Pathan himself, as it raises questions about land allotment policies for public figures and the handling of similar disputes in the future. The government has stipulated that this decision should not set a precedent for other cases, indicating a cautious approach to land management and allocation.
Looking ahead, the VMC will present the details of the allotment to its standing committee and general board for further approval. This step is crucial as it will finalize the terms of the allotment and ensure compliance with the government's directives. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how this decision will influence future land disputes involving public figures in Gujarat.
