New Delhi/Chandigarh: In a major development in the controversial Manesar land deal case, the Supreme Court of India has stayed trial proceedings against former Haryana IAS officer Rajeev Arora, pending further hearings. The apex court issued the stay in response to a petition filed by Mr Arora challenging his summoning by a special CBI court.
Background: Summoning and Legal Challenge
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) had filed a chargesheet in the Manesar land scam, alleging criminal conspiracy and cheating under Sections 120-B and 420 of the IPC. A special CBI court had, on December 1, 2020, ordered Rajeev Arora to be summoned to face trial.
IAS Arora initially challenged this order before the Punjab and Haryana High Court, which temporarily stayed the trial court’s summoning order on December 14, 2020. However, on May 15, 2025, the high court dismissed Arora’s revision petition, holding that the special court’s decision was legally sound.
Supreme Court Steps In
Following the HC verdict, Arora approached the Supreme Court, which, on May 29, 2025, issued notice to the respondents and ordered that “proceedings qua the petitioner (Rajeev Arora) shall stand stayed till the next date of hearing.” The order was passed by a bench headed by Chief Justice BR Gavai.
Special CBI Court Proceeds With Remaining Accused
In light of the Supreme Court’s interim order, Special CBI Judge Rajeev Goyal, during proceedings on June 6, 2025, directed that trial proceedings will continue only against the remaining accused, excluding Rajeev Arora.
The court also noted that accused Dhare Singh, Kulwant Singh Lamba, and D.R. Dhingra are yet to face arguments on the framing of charges. Defence counsel requested additional time to prepare, and the court scheduled July 10, 2025 as the next date for arguments on the matter.
Rejecting a request from Senior Public Prosecutor Harsh Mohan Singh to frame charges immediately against those already charge-sheeted, the court observed that it would be inappropriate to proceed in a piecemeal manner. A consolidated charge-sheet would be framed only after hearing arguments for all accused.
Case Overview: Manesar Land Scam
The Manesar land case, investigated by the CBI, involves allegations of fraudulent land acquisition by government officials and private individuals, resulting in a multi-crore scam. The case has ensnared multiple high-ranking officials, including IAS officers, and is being closely watched due to its political and administrative implications in Haryana.
