SJDA Gets Court-Appointed Observer for 2026 Auction

Authority: Supreme Court of India

Order Date: 05-10-2026

Petition: Siliguri Jalpaiguri Development Authority (SJDA) filed Special Leave Petition (Civil) Diary No. 46595/2024 challenging the High Court at Calcutta’s final judgment and order dated 09‑08‑2024 in GA‑COM Nos. 2/2024 and 3/2024, APO No. 140/2023 and EC No. 91/2023.
Respondent: Bengal Unitech Universal Siliguri Projects Limited.
The petition seeks appointment of an independent observer to oversee an auction scheduled for 08‑10‑2026.
Counsel for SJDA proposed a retired judicial officer; counsel for respondent listed multiple advocates.

The Court appoints Mr. Murari Prasad Gupta, Additional District Judge (Retired), Serampore, as Observer for the auction.
SJDA shall pay a fee of Rs 2,00,000 (two lakh rupees) to the Observer, plus reimbursement of out‑of‑pocket expenses upon submission of details.
The observer is required to submit a report directly to the Court.
The application (I.A. No. 296801/2026) is disposed of.
The matter is re‑listed for further hearing on 26‑10‑2026.

Independent oversight of the 08‑10‑2026 auction is ensured through the appointed retired judge, with a stipulated remuneration and reporting requirement; the case will resume on 26‑10‑2026 for any further directions.

Topics: Legal Oversight, Auction Governance