JAIPUR: The Supreme Court has expressed strong disapproval towards the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) for neglecting its directives concerning commercial entities in residential zones of Jaipur. The court noted that the JDA did not appear during proceedings nor submit an affidavit outlining actions taken after conducting necessary surveys, despite ongoing complaints from residents about significant violations.
A bench consisting of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R. Mahadevan acknowledged that amicus curiae Ajit Kumar Sinha pointed out the JDA’s absence from the hearings. This lapse was deemed serious, especially as it pertains to the enforcement of town planning regulations and the safeguarding of residential areas from unchecked commercial activity.
In a ruling issued on May 20, the court emphasized that the authority in charge of town planning, building plan approvals, enforcing building byelaws, and land use regulation cannot avoid its responsibilities by claiming the Municipal Corporation was involved in the case. The court insisted that the appropriate planning authority must engage in the proceedings.
This case in Jaipur is part of a broader initiative initiated by the Supreme Court on March 25 while addressing a petition regarding unauthorized commercial activities in a residential area of Chennai. The court had instructed authorities in all state and Union Territory capitals to survey residential regions being used for commercial purposes and file affidavits by May 15, 2026.
The bench noted that so far, only three states have submitted affidavits, primarily focusing on survey outcomes rather than actual enforcement actions. The court asserted that compliance cannot be just a procedural formality, directing all involved parties, including the JDA, to provide updated affidavits outlining concrete actions post-surveys.
The affidavits must be sworn by the heads of the respective authorities and include specific enforcement measures taken, which may encompass sealing or demolishing unauthorized structures, accompanied by a comprehensive report on enforcement actions.
The matter is scheduled for further discussions on August 4.
