Adarsh: HC puts demolition on hold

In any event,Adarsh building,as constructed,is not capable of being regularised or compounded,the illegality is wholly incurable, MoEF director Dr Bharat Bhushan said in an affidavit that was filed in court. Allowing any manner of regularisation would establish a precedent that would suggest that the petitioners Adarsh have been allowed to take advantage of their own wrong.

Arguing for the MoEF,Additional Solicitor-General D J Khambata told the court,I am not for a moment suggesting that we wont take action for demolition.

But Justice Ranjana Desai told Khambata that while he may undoubtedly have a good case the court needed to give Adarsh a good hearing. The court also said since Adarsh was not occupied by any of its members,the decision to defer the demolition would not benefit anyone. Arguing for Adarsh,senior counsel Mukul Rohatgi and lawyer Ameet Naik said the construction of the building started seven years back and the MoEF cannot term it illegal as it had the necessary permissions.