No Trial Yet: M3M Hits Back at 'Setback' Claims in Gurugram Land Row
M3M clarifies that a Delhi court set aside criminal breach of trust charges in its land dispute with MGF Developments.
Real estate giant M3M has strongly refuted reports suggesting that a recent Delhi court order is a "setback" for the company. In an official statement released on Monday, the Gurugram-based developer clarified its position regarding the ongoing legal battle over a land dispute, emphasizing that the judicial process is still in its early stages and no charges have been framed.
The Core of the Dispute
The legal friction stems from a land exchange involving M3M, its group companies, and land-owning entities belonging to Emaar. MGF Developments had leveled several serious allegations against M3M, claiming that the agreed consideration for the land exchange was not paid, which led to proceedings involving cheating and criminal conspiracy.
M3M has countered these claims, stating that the exchange deeds were executed with Emaar's companies and not with MGF Developments. Furthermore, the company asserted that the required consideration, along with interest, has already been deposited in court as part of pending civil proceedings.
What the Court Actually Ruled
Addressing the order passed on October 17, 2026, by the Principal District and Sessions Judge at Tis Hazari, M3M highlighted a significant victory: the court set aside the charge of criminal breach of trust under Section 406 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
The court observed that even if all allegations in the FIR were accepted as true, the offence of criminal breach of trust was not made out because the essential element of "entrustment of property" was missing. This charge was one of the primary accusations brought forward by MGF Developments.
Current Legal Status
While the court declined to interfere with proceedings related to cheating and criminal conspiracy, M3M maintains that this does not constitute a defeat. The company pointed out the following key facts:
- No Charges Framed: The case is still at the stage of cognisance; no formal charges have been framed, and no trial has been ordered.
- Pending Arguments: The court noted that M3M had raised important points in its favor, which the Magistrate will decide upon after hearing both sides during the charge or discharge phase.
- Commercial Nature: M3M argues that this is essentially a commercial dispute and is being handled in the appropriate forum.
The Road Ahead
Principal District and Sessions Judge Anju Bajaj Chandna has directed the magistrate to proceed expeditiously with the case under Sections 420, 120B, and 34 of the IPC. The involved parties are required to appear before the Chief Judicial Magistrate on October 27, 2026.
"M3M has full faith in the judicial process and will continue to cooperate with it,"the company stated, adding that they are prepared to pursue every available legal remedy to clear their name.