Divisional Commissioner Orders Action to Protect Valuable Gram Sabha Land in Gonda

Additional Commissioner’s Court passes final order in 1996 land exchange case involving property along Gonda-Lucknow National Highway; alleged forged signatures of then SDM emerge

Gonda: In a significant move to protect public land and ensure the integrity of revenue records, the Additional Commissioner (Administration-II) Court has passed a final order in a long-pending dispute over the exchange of valuable Gram Sabha land in Narayanpur Majha village of Karnailganj tehsil in Gonda district.

The decision, dated October 28, 2026, was taken in the case of Gram Sabha Narayanpur Majha versus Jagdamba Prasad, following directions from Divisional Commissioner Durga Shakti Nagpal to ensure the protection of public assets and take legal action in cases involving government land. The district administration has also initiated action in connection with the government property as directed by the Divisional Commissioner.

The dispute relates to the exchange of Gram Sabha land, recorded as barren land, new fallow land and pasture, with land belonging to private account holders. The land involved includes valuable property located alongside the Gonda-Lucknow National Highway.

Serious questions were raised over the legality of the exchange, particularly because some of the private plots offered in return were recorded in revenue documents as river land, khadar and fallow land. The suitability and legality of exchanging such plots for valuable public land came under scrutiny.

Another significant aspect of the case involved allegations of forged signatures on the exchange order dated July 19, 1996. The then Sub-Divisional Magistrate of Karnailganj, Gyan Prakash Awasthi, had reportedly denied signing the order and related documents through a letter dated August 16, 2003. He clarified that the signatures attributed to him were not genuine.

A report submitted by the Karnailganj Tehsildar on July 31, 2003, had also described the land exchange order as illegal.

During the proceedings, questions concerning the Gram Sabha’s right to a proper hearing, compliance with the prescribed legal procedure for land exchange and protection of public property were raised. Divisional Government Advocate V.P. Tiwari presented the case on behalf of the state government and the Gram Sabha.

After hearing the revision petition filed under Section 333 of the Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, 1950, the Additional Commissioner (Administration-II) Court, presided over by Rajesh Kumar Yadav, passed its final order on October 28, 2026.

The action is part of a wider initiative being pursued under the directions of Divisional Commissioner Durga Shakti Nagpal to safeguard Gram Sabha properties across the Devipatan division. The administration is focusing on regular scrutiny of revenue records, transparency in matters involving government land and timely legal action to prevent the misuse of public assets.