Legal Showdown Over Seizure of Sahara Shahar Heats Up

The Allahabad High Court on Wednesday mandated the Lucknow Municipal Corporation and the Uttar Pradesh government to submit their responses by October 30 regarding a plea from Sahara India Corporation Limited. This plea disputes the municipal orders to seal Sahara Shahar in Lucknow due to alleged lease violations.

In a directive to transport any cattle found within the township to 'Kanha Upvan' for care, the court addressed concerns from both sides, noting the urgency of Sahara's opposition to the sealing of the 170-acre property. The sealing was purportedly due to breaches in lease and license agreements.

Justice Sangeeta Chandra and Justice Amitabh Rai, after considering the case, required that both parties exchange necessary pleadings and stated that the situation warranted further attention. The Sahara group argues the sealing was improperly rushed without due process, while the Lucknow Municipal Corporation contends proper notices were issued following violations dating back to 1994.

(With inputs from agencies.)