Haldwani, Sept. 28 -- The Nainital district administration has ordered 1.822 hectares of land to vest in the state government in seven cases involving violations of land laws in the district, officials said. Nainital SDM Nawazish Khalique said the orders were passed under Sections 166 and 167 of the Uttar Pradesh Zamindari Abolition and Land Reforms Act, 1950, as applicable in Uttarakhand. The cases involved land purchased for religious and agricultural purposes but not used for the objectives for which permission had been granted. "According to the revenue records and site inspections, 1.562 hectares of land purchased for religious purposes in Kamda and Sheetla villages under Patti Malli Kutoli was lying vacant, with no religious activity taking place. Similarly, 0.260 hectares purchased for agricultural purposes in Satbunga village under Patti Satbunga was found barren and not being used for farming," he said. Khalique said the concerned parties were given an opportunity to present their cases and submit documents and evidence. After examining the purchase permissions, revenue records, approval conditions, evidence and inspection reports, the authorities found that the land had not been used for the specified purposes. The transfers in all seven cases were subsequently declared unlawful and the land ordered to vest in the state government free from all encumbrances. Revenue officials have been directed to make necessary entries in the records and take further action as per rules. "Strict action would be taken against violations of land laws to ensure transparent and lawful land transactions," he added....