HC gives temporary reprieve to Prakash Jha-owned Mall

Film-maker Prakash Jha owned P & M Mall, the lease of which was cancelled by the authorities, got a temporary relief today with the Patna High Court directing that no step can be taken against it till May 5.
Justice Jyoti Saran gave the order and directed the state government and Bihar Industrial Area Development Authority (BIADA) to file detailed report on the subject.
The matter would be heard next on May 5.
BIADA had recently cancelled the lease of P & M Mall, the city's first mall, on the ground of violation of lease conditions.
Located in Patliputra Industrial area of the city, P & M Mall was inaugurated by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in 2011.

The mall having an area of about 58,300 sq feet houses the state's first multiplex, besides shopping complex and exclusive showrooms of multinational brands.

The lease was cancelled after it was found that the mall authorities violated the condition to pay a circle rate of 10 per cent to the state government on land sub leased to other parties, Industries Minister Jai Kumar Singh had said.
The P & M Mall is among 100-odd allotees whose lease have been terminated for violating condition.
"As per BIADA estimate, an amount of Rs 2.60 crore is due to the state government on account of circle rate payment out of sub lease but the Mall has submitted only Rs 40 lakh," the minister had said.