The Supreme Court has adopted a stern stance regarding the large-scale unauthorized construction and commercial activities operating in residential areas—in defiance of regulations that have been taking place across the country for years. The apex court has ordered action on a war footing against such violations in Delhi, Patna, Lucknow, and other cities. Following this order, large-scale demolition and sealing drives are likely to be carried out in these cities.
A bench comprising Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R. Mahadevan observed that the fires at a hotel in Delhi and a coaching centre in Lucknow resulted in large-scale loss of life.
People expressed displeasure over the delay in survey work in Delhi.
The Supreme Court came down heavily on the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the New Delhi Municipal Council for disregarding regulations and failing to initiate a survey despite earlier orders to assess the structural integrity of buildings and identify potential hazards in the Lajpat Nagar and Sarojini Nagar markets.
On July 9, the Supreme Court bench had directed the formation of a committee comprising two IIT Delhi professors and others to examine rule violations and structural stability, a directive that was not implemented; the court expressed its displeasure over this failure.
More than 26 thousand cases so far
A new affidavit filed by the Patna Municipal Corporation states that a survey conducted following a previous order has revealed a total of 26,746 cases where residential properties are being used for commercial purposes. In an order passed on August 5, the Supreme Court observed that these figures clearly demonstrate the complete negligence of the concerned municipal commissioners in discharging their responsibilities.
The Bench observed that until this Court took cognizance of the matter, the Patna Municipal Corporation had no information regarding the large-scale violation of building bylaws or the violators involved. In an affidavit filed before the Supreme Court, former Municipal Commissioner Parashar stated that approximately 500 cases involving violations of municipal bylaws came to light during his tenure; of these, suo motu cognizance was taken in 81 cases, and orders were passed in 129.
They took action in accordance with the law on more than 397 complaints and 22 other cases. The Supreme Court observed that it found no justifiable reason for such figures regarding an officer who had held the post for nearly four years. The bench issued a show-cause notice to former Municipal Commissioner Parashar, asking why action should not be taken against him for such negligence during his tenure as the Patna Municipal Commissioner.
Order issued to LDA for action in Lucknow.
The Supreme Court has ordered the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) to conduct a survey—similar to the one carried out in Delhi to identify unauthorized constructions and commercial activities operating in residential areas or properties in the city.