Sadanand Kadam, alleged to be a close aide to the Shiv Sena’s (UBT) Maharashtra Legislative Council member Anil Parab, has apologised to the Bombay High Court for not complying with a March 18 order to demolish an unauthorised portion of the Sai Resort in Dapoli and said he will raze it within 10 days. Kadam, through advocate Saket Mone, stated on Friday that there was some delay as the demolition of the second floor of the structure in Ratnagiri district was taking time owing to several difficulties. Kadam, who was present in the court, also said he would bear the expenses for demolishing the unauthorised portion, which is in violation of a September 12, 2017, order of the Dapoli subdivisional officer. It was alleged that the previous owner of the Dapoli property was granted permission to construct a ground-plus-one-floor structure on the piece of land. However, Kadam allegedly constructed more floors without permission. It was also alleged the entire plot on which the resort was constructed was in Coastal Regulation Zone III, a no-development zone, and that no clearance was secured from the department or the ministry concerned for such a construction. On March 18, the court accepted Kadam’s undertaking and directed him to demolish the portion by April 15, 2024. However, it was extended till the ad interim relief concerning the part which was not in violation of the 2017 permission. The court had made clear that if the undertaking was not complied with, apart from other actions, Kadam would be liable for action under the Contempt of Courts Act. On April 17, Kadam informed the court that he had complied with his undertaking to demolish the portion. On May 10, a single-judge bench of Justice Madhav Jamdar accepted his apology for non-compliance as the second floor of the structure was yet to be demolished. The court passed an order on Kadam’s plea challenging a 2023 demolition notice issued by the subdivisional officer. A complaint was filed by the Union environment ministry against Parab, Sai Resort, Sea Conch Resort and others before the judicial magistrate in Dapoli for violation of provisions of the Environment (Protection) Act 1986. Based on the complaint, the Enforcement Directorate registered a money-laundering case and arrested Kadam on March 10, 2023. He was released on bail in February this year. An FIR was also registered in this regard at the Dapoli police station for allegedly deceiving and causing loss to the state government. The court will hear Kadam’s plea next on June 11.
