The Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) has sealed Sahara Shahar, a sprawling 170-acre complex in Lucknow, due to alleged violations of lease terms. The complex, once the opulent center of Subrata Roy's Sahara India Pariwar, houses Roy's palatial residence, luxury guesthouses, a helipad, a petrol pump, theaters, and auditoriums. The sealing marks a significant moment in Lucknow's history, as the property was once a hub for India's elite, including film stars, politicians, and business tycoons.
The LMC took possession of the property on Monday, sealing all six gates of the enclave. The land was originally leased to Sahara India Commercial Corporation Ltd. in 1995 for 30 years by the then Mulayam Singh Yadav government. The LMC stated that the lease, which expired in 2024, was violated because Sahara authorities neither built houses nor developed any projects as per the agreement. The civic body claims to have received multiple complaints about these violations. A committee reviewed the documents and related court cases, which led to the recommendation of legal and administrative action.
Prior to the sealing, the LMC team conducted a symbolic possession of the land on September 27 and 28. During the final operation, with the help of the police, the team sealed the residential quarters, guesthouses, and all six main gates. Notice boards were also put up inside and outside the complex to mark the LMC's ownership. Employees residing within the complex were given time to collect their belongings before vacating.
Sahara India has refuted the LMC's claims, stating that they have made significant investments and developments on the land. They also claim there is an operative stay order from a civil court and have moved the High Court against the LMC's actions. The Sahara group had previously approached the Supreme Court seeking permission to sell some of its properties, including Sahara Shahar. The LMC intervened, asserting that the land was leased and not owned by the company.
Sahara Shahar was known for hosting lavish events and was considered a political nerve center. Even former U.S. President Bill Clinton is said to have visited Roy at the mansion. However, the property's prominence diminished after Roy's arrest in 2014, following a crackdown by SEBI for failing to return investors' money. Subrata Roy passed away on November 14, 2023.
The LMC's actions followed a detailed investigation that revealed violations of the lease terms. The license agreement for 130 acres of land for residential and commercial purposes was canceled, and the lease deed for 40 acres of land for developing a green belt was also canceled. The LMC has stated that it will explore all legal avenues to secure the land.
