Prashant Bhushan
In 1999, AAP Leader Prashant Bhushan for the first time has applied for the permission to purchase the land in Palampur in name of Kumud Bhushan Educational Society. But then Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Shri Virbhadra Singh has rejected his application on legal grounds. According to the state's laws, land-use of a tea garden could not be changed; as such gardens are exempt under the land ceiling act.
In February 2008, Dr. Shiv Kumar, who was Ex-MLA from Palampur Constituency, wrote a letter to othen Chief Minister of Himachal Pradesh Shri Prem Kumar Dhumal saying that Prashant Bhushan has helped in getting relief in supreme court in few cases and requested him to allot land for later. Mr. Shiv Kumar along with his letter has also forwarded the representation of Prashant Bhushan requesting for purchase of tea estate under the banner of Kumud Bhushan Educational Society.
In March 2009 again Mr. Bhushan has re-applied for the purchase of tea garden, in the name of Kumud Bhushan Educational Society, which legally he could not as there was a total ban on selling tea gardens in the state to non-agriculturists. The relaxation has been given by Dhumal Government to favour Aam Aadmi Party Leader Prashant Bhushan, under state land ceiling act 1972, section 6(a) & 7(b), so that Prashant Bhushan can convert land into his name later. It has been found that BJP government has given permission in a quid pro-quo arrangement, with reference of the MLA's letter.
Prashant Bhushan who self claim himself as PIL activist, has used his client connections to influence Himachal Pradesh state government to purchase land in Palampur. It has also been proved later that Prashant Bhushan planned to have farmhouse in hill state in the disguise of educational institution.
Recently the Himachal Pradesh State Vigilance & Anti-Corruption Bureau, during their enquiry have found that permission was granted to purchase 122 “Kanal’ (4.66 hector) tea estate land worth of Rs.35 lakhs, to run an educational institute in favour of Kumud Bhushan Educational Society in the year 2010, with the condition to run an educational institute with in a period of two years. But no school or college has been found to be exiting on the spot till today.
However, an educational institute namely “Shambhawna” is exiting which is not affiliated with any university or board. In the enquiry report Superintended of Police of State Vigilance, in his report has submitted that, hence the society has violated the terms and conditions of the rules and the land is required to be confiscated to the account of Government of Himachal Pradesh.
The enquiry team visited the area and photographed the spot and found that some buildings have been constructed on the spot, such as Music room, library, learning centre, bathing house, Dining cum meeting hall and Guest house etc., and the construction work of hostel in under progress. No School or college is found on the spot.
Now it has been proved that Prashant Bhushan in connivance with BJP leaders is trying to settle scores with present Chief Minister Shri Virbhadra Singh, who has denied persmission for this educational institution, in the disguise of PIL. It has also been learnt that Prashant Bhushan was also appointed as Standing Counsel for HP government by the BJP government headed by Shri Prem Kumar Dhumal.
http://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/himachal-govt-set-to-confiscate-bhushans-land/