Cloud over MP Joice George land deals

KOTTAYAM: The land transactions by Idukki MP Joice George and others at Kottakambur in Idukki district were done violating the rules.  These included the power of attorney  obtained from seven  scheduled caste people  and  the transfer of the land in  the name of the MP and others.   Mr Joice George’s father Palliath George had secured the power of attorney of the land from  the scheduled caste people in 2001. They had received the land on the basis of the land assignment rules, 1964. Palliath George registered the land in the name of his children Joice George and others in 2005.

Mr Joice George had defended the  power of attorney and the registration of the land in his name on the ground that the SC people were in possession of the land before January 8, 1971,  the period which is legally valid. However, the scrutiny of the fair land register (the authentic document to ascertain the history of the land) prepared in 1970 found that the land was not in possession of anyone  before January 8, 1971. Hence, the transactions were legally unsustainable.  The police are investigating   any forgery involved in the affair.   Sources in  Devikulam RDO said  that  there were  also other irregularities.  While the title deeds were given to the SC people, the  land assignment committee was not convened in 2001, which was mandatory.