Def dept warns against illegal land transfer

The defence department has come out with a public notice warning lessees not to enter into illegal transactions that involve the use of defence land. The notice comes after a member of the Anglican Church had entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on a heritage property at Hazarimal Somani Marg near Sterling Cinema in south Mumbai which is on defence land.

The public notice that appeared on Friday in a national daily warns against any such ventures. Signed by defence estate officer Prasad Chavan, it reads: “In Mumbai and its suburban areas, at a number of places, defence land is given on lease for different periods and purposes. As per the terms and conditions of the lease agreement, the lessee cannot create any third party interest or sublet the lease site or use it for the purpose other than mentioned in the lease agreement. This public notice is issued to advise lessee not to violate the terms and conditions of the lease and the third parties to be aware of consequences.”

DNA in June had reported that member of Anglican Church had entered into an MOU claiming to represent the body that looks after church properties and put out a public notice about it.

Chavan had earlier stated that some tangible action will be taken on what it had called “prima facie illegal” transaction of its land by members of the Anglican Church community.