HC issues notice to GIFT City over PIL alleging irregularities

The Gujarat High Court today issued notice to Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) on a PIL alleging financial irregularities and non- compliance of audit norms and RTI Act.

The bench of Chief Justice R Subhash Reddy and Justice Anant Dave posted the matter for further hearing on March 15.

Petitioner D C Anjaria, former independent director and audit committee chairman of GIFT City, said that the PIL isn't against the government but for the benefit of the government which he claims is being duped by the company.

He sought a special investigation team to probe alleged irregularities in awarding of contracts by the company.

GIFT City is a 50:50 joint venture between state-owned Gujarat Urban Development Company Ltd and Infrastructure Leasing & Financial Services.

Anjaria, who left GIFT City in 2012, says he was one of the key persons who prepared the project plan nine years ago.

The PIL contends that GIFT City company comes under the Right to Information Act, but in the last nine years it hasn't appointed a Public Information Officer.

Further, it also comes under the purview of CAG Act but has never offered itself for an independent CAG audit yet.

Contracts were given to some select companies without following proper procedures or inviting bids, the PIL alleges.