The Supreme Court has ordered the immediate sealing of 44 unauthorised properties in Meerut, after finding that residential plots had quietly morphed into commercial hubs — including schools and hospitals — without approved plans or basic safety compliance. ⚖️🚫
The direction came during contempt proceedings concerning large-scale conversion of residential premises into commercial establishments. The bench expressed deep concern that such structures were functioning without sanctioned layouts or fire safety measures, warning that any mishap could lead to personal accountability for responsible State officials.
At the centre of the Court’s scrutiny was an earlier administrative order that halted demolitions in Meerut’s Central Market area. The order suggested that the shops might later be regularised by granting them “market street” status through a proposed Master Plan amendment. This move effectively stalled enforcement action, something the Court viewed as a direct departure from its earlier directions.
When questioned, the officer who issued the order stated that the decision was taken in response to “public hue and cry” and after consultations with public representatives. The bench firmly rejected the justification, stressing that governance cannot bend to pressure from encroachers and must remain anchored in the rule of law. 🏛️
The Court observed that plots originally earmarked for residential use had gradually been expanded with additional constructions for commercial purposes. These additions were allegedly made without approvals, and enforcement agencies failed to intervene in time. The bench described the situation as a serious erosion of regulatory discipline and termed the administrative action halting demolitions as a clear defiance of judicial orders.
Particular alarm was expressed over schools and hospitals operating from the illegal structures. The Court questioned how essential public services could be allowed to function from buildings lacking basic compliance, underscoring the risk to public safety. 🚑🏫
With the sealing order now in place, authorities have been directed to act swiftly, while the Court signalled that any further laxity could invite stringent consequences. The message was unmistakable: unauthorised constructions — especially those shielded by administrative hesitation — will face decisive enforcement.
