A fresh demand for transparency has emerged over the Reliance–Haryana State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HSIIDC) Special Economic Zone (SEZ) land matter, with international human rights activist Sardar Charanjit Singh calling for the public disclosure of government records and documents connected with the project.
Sardar Charanjit Singh, associated with the World Council on Cosmic Rights and Universal Justice, raised the demand during a press conference in New Delhi. Senior advocate Balraj Malik was also present at the briefing.
The activists said the issue involves matters of significant public interest, including land acquisition, transfer and utilisation, government approvals, joint venture arrangements and decisions taken by public authorities in connection with the SEZ project.
Demand for Disclosure of Land Records
According to the speakers, records concerning approximately 7,200 acres of land associated with the project should be examined and, wherever legally permissible, made available to the public.
They argued that greater transparency would allow citizens to understand the history of the land, including its acquisition, subsequent transfers, agreements and present legal status.
The demand particularly focuses on records held by government departments and public authorities. The activists said information covered by the Right to Information Act, 2005, should be dealt with in accordance with the provisions and exemptions prescribed under the law.
They urged the relevant authorities to consider pending RTI applications connected with the matter and issue decisions within the statutory framework and prescribed timelines.
RTI Act at Centre of Transparency Demand
Sardar Charanjit Singh said that access to government-held information is an important component of public accountability. He maintained that where records are legally disclosable, their publication could help address questions and concerns surrounding the SEZ land issue.
He further argued that if the acquisition, transfer and subsequent transactions involving the land were undertaken according to applicable laws, rules, approvals and procedures, disclosure of the relevant records would help establish the factual position.
According to him, transparency would also help prevent speculation and misunderstandings regarding the project.
The activists stressed that their demand is not for the disclosure of information protected under statutory exemptions. Instead, they called for the release of documents that can legally be disclosed under the RTI framework.
Allegations of Pressure on Authorities
During the press conference, senior advocate Balraj Malik made allegations concerning the functioning of government departments. He claimed that some departments were operating under pressure from the Central Government.
Malik also alleged that RTI authorities and the judiciary were functioning under similar influence or pressure.
These claims were presented as allegations during the press conference and were not independently established in the material provided for the statement. The demand for transparency, however, was framed by the speakers as a broader issue concerning access to public records and institutional accountability.
Call for Haryana Government and HSIIDC to Act
Sardar Charanjit Singh and Balraj Malik called upon the Haryana Government and HSIIDC to make relevant documents accessible wherever disclosure is permitted by law.
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The records sought are understood to include documents relating to land acquisition and transfer, government decisions and approvals, joint venture agreements and other official actions connected with the SEZ project.
The speakers maintained that disclosure should take place strictly within the legal framework, including applicable confidentiality provisions and statutory exemptions.
They argued that making legally disclosable documents available could allow the public to assess the history and current legal position of the land without relying on speculation or political claims.
Activists Seek Independent Review if Irregularities Emerge
Sardar Charanjit Singh also clarified that the demand should not be interpreted as a partisan political campaign or as an accusation of wrongdoing against any particular person, company, institution or government official.
He described the initiative as a demand for transparency, accountability and lawful access to information.
He further said that if a review of official records identifies any serious irregularity or unresolved legal question, the competent authorities could consider an independent and impartial examination in accordance with the law.
Such a review, he said, could help establish the factual and legal position surrounding the land and the SEZ-related transactions.
Transparency Positioned as Public Interest Issue
The Reliance–HSIIDC SEZ land matter has now been placed in the context of a wider debate over government transparency and public access to official records.
The activists’ central demand is that information held by public authorities should be disclosed wherever the law permits. They argued that transparency can strengthen public confidence while also providing an opportunity for authorities and stakeholders to clarify disputed or misunderstood aspects of the matter.
The call for disclosure therefore focuses on obtaining documentary evidence rather than drawing conclusions about the legality of the transactions in advance.
The speakers urged the Haryana Government and concerned authorities to process the pending RTI matters according to law and make all eligible records public. If the documents demonstrate that the relevant procedures were properly followed, they said, disclosure could help settle questions surrounding the project. If serious legal or procedural concerns emerge, they suggested that the appropriate authorities should determine the next steps through an independent process.
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