Land row: Proceedings against HPCA stayed

The Supreme Court on Monday stayed all criminal proceedings in connection with an FIR against BJP MP Anurag Thakur-led Himachal Pradesh Cricket Association (HPCA) over land allotment for building a residential complex for players near the cricket stadium in Dharamsala. A bench led by Justice Dipak Misra stayed the proceedings in the matter after Additional Solicitor General P S Patwalia, who appeared for the HPCA, claimed that the FIR was “politically motivated.” Admitting the HPCA’s petition for hearing, the bench stayed the criminal proceedings and issued notices to the state police and others. The court has sought their reply in eight weeks.