Solan Collector places embargo on Chester Hills properties amid land deal probe

The district collector in Solan directed the Tehsildar to place a red note in revenue records for the Chester Hills-2 and Chester Hills-4 projects. This action imposes an embargo on the sale, gift, mortgage, or any other transfer of land in these projects until further orders. The move follows ongoing proceedings against the firm under Section 118 of the HP Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, 1972, which investigates alleged benami transactions.

The investigation concerns alleged benami land deals, which violate the HP Tenancy and Land Reforms Act, 1972, by barring non-Himachalis and non-agriculturists from purchasing land. If the allegations of benami land transactions are proven, the properties could vest with the state government of Himachal Pradesh.