New Delhi: A bill seeking to ensure speedy and
effective eviction of unauthorised occupants from enemy
property under the government was introduced in the Lok Sabha
today.
The bill, introduced by Minister of State for Home Ajay
Maken, was brought forward in the wake of judgments by various
courts that have adversely affected the powers of the
custodian and the government under the 1968 Enemy Property
Act.
The Enemy Property (Amendment and Validation) Bill, which
replaces an ordinance, would enable speedy and effective
eviction of unauthorised occupants from enemy property,
according to its Statement of Objects and Reasons.
"In view of such interpretations by various courts, the
Custodian (which is the government) has been finding it
difficult to sustain his actions under the Enemy Property
Act," it said.
The legislation aims to authorise the Centre to direct
that any or all enemy property can be sold or disposed of in
any manner prescribed by it.
It also states that no court would have jurisdiction to
order divestment of such property from the Custodian.
However, the court would have jurisdiction to adjudicate
whether the property claimed to be vested with the Custodian
is an enemy property or not.
-PTI
First Published: Monday, August 02, 2010, 22:58