The Supreme Court has directed Meerut authorities to begin action against 16,726 unauthorised structures identified in Zone A, ordering occupants to vacate before the premises are sealed and demolished.
The 21 September order also requires demolition of 24 remaining sealed properties and 138 setback violations. Officials must submit fuller data for Zones B, C and D while continuing to clear demolition debris daily.
The bench appointed former Supreme Court judge Sudhanshu Dhulia to lead a judicial commission into illegal colonies at Uldepur. It will examine land ownership, transactions, regulatory inaction and possible collusion by Meerut Development Authority officials. Uttar Pradesh must deposit ₹35 lakh towards the commission’s work.
The order treats enforcement failure as a public-safety issue, warning that responsible officers may face personal liability if dilapidated structures collapse. The court left rehabilitation of economically weaker residents to the government, but said the demolition programme must continue.