Elected representatives should cooperate with civic bodies in action against illegal constructions: HC

Justices A S Oka and K R Shriram were hearing two public interest litigations (PILs) — one filed by Mayura Maru against illegal structures in Navi Mumbai and another filed by Rajiv Mishra seeking demolition of unauthorised structures in Digha area. The petitions claimed that despite filing complaints, no action was taken against unauthorised structures.

In an earlier hearing, while observing that 86 buildings had allegedly been constructed without any permission, the court had directed the Thane tehsildar to visit the buildings and submit a report on whether they have obtained permission for carrying out construction.

“The data collected shows that in 81 buildings, 2,660 flats and 206 shops have been constructed, which are illegal. Prima facie it appears all excepting one building is occupied,” said the court.

Further stating that there is controversy relating to jurisdiction of three authorities in Digah — Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, the City and Industrial Development Corporation of Maharashtra Limited and Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation — the HC said, “According to an earlier order, a coordination committee was to be formed but that will take some time. Since demolition of these buildings needs to be carried out we direct the sub-divisional officer along with officers from the three authorities and tehsildar to meet and resolve the issue of jurisdiction.”

The authorities have been given two weeks’ time to resolve the matter and initiate demolitions.

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