Supreme Court shocked by hundreds of illegal colonies in Meerut

The case concerns the enforcement of orders regarding illegal constructions in Meerut, specifically addressing the demolition of unauthorized structures in setback areas, illegal colonies at Uldepur, and commercial misuse of EWS/LIG properties. The Court reviewed a status report on previous directives and issued new orders for demolition and the appointment of a judicial commission to investigate the origins of illegal colonies.

Who it concerns: Petitioner: Bimalendu Pradhan; Respondent: State of Odisha (though the subject matter concerns Uttar Pradesh authorities, specifically U.P. Awas Evam Vikas Parishad and Meerut Development Authority); Bench: Hon'ble Mr. Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Hon'ble Mr. Justice K.V. Viswanathan.

What the court decided

• Directed authorities to demolish the remaining 24 out of 44 sealed properties.
• Directed authorities to expedite the demolition of unauthorised constructions in the remaining 138 properties in setback areas.
• Appointed Hon'ble Mr. Justice Sudhanshu Dhulia (former Judge) as Chairperson of a Judicial Commission to inquire into illegal residential colonies at Uldepur.
• Framed five specific questions for the Commission regarding land ownership, transactions, and potential collusion with Meerut Development Authority officials.
• Directed the State of Uttar Pradesh to deposit Rs. 35,00,000/- within one week for the Commission's remuneration.
• Directed authorities to demolish all illegal structures at Uldepur and ensure daily disposal of debris.
• Directed authorities to vacate and seal 16,726 illegal structures identified in Zone-A of Meerut.
• Ordered the Chairman, U.P. Awas Evam Vikas Parishad, to file a fresh report on the next hearing date regarding Uldepur and Zones B, C, and D.

Also in the document

• The Court expressed being 'shocked and disturbed' by the existence of hundreds of illegal residential colonies at Uldepur.
• The Court warned that responsible government officers would be held personally liable if innocent lives are lost due to the collapse of dilapidated illegal structures.
• The status report indicated that 16,726 structures in Zone-A were identified as illegal, comprising residential, residential-cum-non-residential, and non-residential constructions.
• The Court noted that the report was silent on the number of illegal structures in Zones B, C, and D.