New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Monday asked the RBI to file an affidavit whether it can intervene to ensure that banks infuse funds to complete construction of the Amrapali housing projects.
A bench comprising Justices U.U. Lalit and Ashok Bhushan asked the advocate for the central bank to file an affidavit in the matter clarifying the regulatory provisions.
The observation from the top court came after the court-appointed receiver informed that as per the September 1 order, he had sent a letter to the Governor of RBI and CMDs of other banks inviting them to finance Amrapali projects and for release of the loan amounts.
However, the reply received by him is not very clear, he said.
Kumar Mihir, counsel for home-buyers, said: “I hope the RBI takes a regulatory position and removes all constraints in other banks extending project finance to Amrapali. Especially, when the Supreme Court is trying its best to raise funds to continuity in construction of these projects.”
The receiver also informed the court that no money has been received from the SWAMIH Investment Fund so far and the final approval is taking time.
On September 1, the apex court had said the SBI Caps will issue funds to the tune of Rs 625 crore from the SWAMIH Investment Fund for six projects and also directed the court-appointed receiver and SBI Caps to finalise the legal framework to regulate this funding. The bench asked him to inform about the status on the next date of hearing.
The receiver informed the top court that 5-6 banks have executed MoUs with him and they have started disbursing loan amounts, and it seems, by middle of next month, the home loan issue will be sorted with respect to all home-buyers.
The bench directed all home-buyers, who had defaulted in payment of their dues earlier when Amrapali was in management, to clear their dues by October 31, or otherwise the receiver will be permitted to take action, including cancellation of their allotments.
As the Institute of Chartered Accountants sought an extension of six months to finish disciplinary proceedings against Anil Mittal, the statutory auditor of Amrapali, the court asked the institute to file an additional affidavit giving exact dates of proceedings when they require his presence for necessary directions.
The receiver and MSTC informed the bench that to date, five properties of Amrapali have been sold for Rs 12.54 crore, out of which 25 per cent was deposited before the MSTC and rest was to be deposited in the UCO Bank. The court gave a direction to the receiver to file a detailed note on sale of properties by the next date of hearing, which is scheduled on October 5.
