57 Plot Land Allocation Scandal Keeps Bilaigarh Chief Dismissed, Fine Appeal Allowed

Bilaspur, Oct 15, 2026 – The controversy surrounding the illegal subdivision of 2.45 hectares of farm land into 57 residential plots has resulted in the continued removal of Damodar Prasad Dubey from the post of Bilaigarh Nagar Panchayat president.

The High Court, sitting as a single judge, affirmed the July 4, 2026, government order that stripped Dubey of his office and rendered him ineligible for the rest of the term. The judgment clarified that the timing of the alleged transgression—occurring before Dubey's election—does not exempt the administration from acting under Section 41‑A to safeguard municipal welfare.

State officials maintained that the allocation was carried out without a legitimate coloniser licence or any change‑in‑land‑use permission, prompting immediate corrective action. Dubey’s refusal to endorse the CMO’s sanction after assuming office was highlighted but deemed insufficient to overturn the earlier breach.

While the dismissal remains firm, the court granted Dubey the right to challenge the imposed fine of Rs 3,27,04,740 before the Collector, noting that the appeal will be decided autonomously in accordance with the law.