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The Punjab and Haryana High Court has recently highlighted a troubling surge in property frauds targeting Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in Punjab. Justice Harpreet Singh Brar noted that absentee NRIs are increasingly falling victim to schemes involving forged documents and fraudulent powers of attorney, leading to the sale of their properties at significantly undervalued rates. In a notable case, prime land in Ludhiana was illicitly sold for INR 3 million, despite a market value of INR 60 million. The court dismissed anticipatory bail pleas of the accused, emphasizing the systemic abuse and the erosion of public trust resulting from such fraudulent activities.
The Punjab and Haryana High Court has raised serious concerns over the growing trend of property frauds targeting Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in Punjab. Justice Harpreet Singh Brar observed that absentee NRIs are becoming easy targets for fraudsters who exploit their absence to execute property transactions using forged documents and fraudulent powers of attorney. Advertisement
In a recent case, prime land near the Ladhowal-Verka bypass in Ludhiana was fraudulently sold for INR 3 million, a fraction of its actual market value of INR 60 million. The perpetrators, including a local numberdar and a tehsildar, allegedly used forged documents to carry out the sale. The court dismissed their anticipatory bail pleas, underscoring the gravity of the offense and its impact on public trust and economic stability.
Justice Brar emphasized that such fraudulent acts are not isolated incidents but indicative of a systemic abuse where legal processes are manipulated. He noted that the misuse of powers of attorney and the involvement of government officials in these scams highlight the organized nature of the crimes. The court stressed the need for stringent measures to prevent such frauds and protect the rights of absentee property owners.
The issue of property frauds against NRIs has been a longstanding concern. Between January 2021 and June 2024, the Union Ministry of External Affairs received 11 complaints from NRIs in Punjab regarding property disputes. The central government has been working to address these issues through Indian missions and by coordinating with state governments.
Implementing stringent verification processes, leveraging technology for property transactions, and ensuring accountability among officials are crucial steps toward restoring trust and protecting the rights of absentee property owners. As the diaspora continues to contribute significantly to the state's economy, safeguarding their interests must become a priority for the administration.
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