HC fines UMC Rs 10,000 for delay in filing affidavit

Bombay High Court (HC) fined Ulhasnagar Municipal Corporation (UMC) Rs 10,000 Friday for failing to file an affidavit in reply to a 2010 PIL by Aziz Amir Shaikh challenging construction of transit camps on two plots reserved for a playground and a primary school.

HC,however,clarified the cost must be recovered from the officer responsible for the lapse. “Despite being given a last chance in March,the corporation failed to file a reply. If you want more time,you must pay,” justice Chandrachud said,granting another opportunity to UMC to reply by June 13.

The lawyer for the petitioner said: “These plots were reserved for a playground and primary school. However,transit camps were constructed there three years back.” UMC also did not call tenders for construction of the camps and issued a work order for over Rs 1 crore,he alleged.