GURUGRAM: The Supreme Court has significantly intensified its examination of urban planning violations in the city.
In a ruling on July 9, the apex court warned that the MCG and GMDA could face direct repercussions if they fail to enforce final demolition orders against illegal structures.
While ordering the personal attendance of the MCG commissioner and the GMDA CEO, the court stated that despite some demolition orders being finalized—especially in certain city areas—authorities have not acted on them.
The case is set to be reviewed on August 4, during which the court will assess compliance reports from the municipalities.
The bench warned that if conditions do not improve by the next hearing, personal accountability would be assigned to the municipal commissioner and the CEO involved.
This warning follows earlier observations noting that around 93% of establishments in Gurugram reportedly violate fire safety regulations.
As a result, the court mandated the personal appearance of the MCG commissioner and the GMDA CEO to provide reports detailing the actual enforcement actions undertaken.
The bench expressed dissatisfaction with what it deemed “face-saving measures” from authorities, pointing out that actions have primarily targeted builders and property owners while officials who permitted violations have largely evaded accountability. The court requested future reports to specifically outline any disciplinary actions against responsible officials.
The court has indicated that a lack of visible action could lead to contempt proceedings and direct accountability for senior civic officials.
This warning is crucial as civic bodies have recently escalated demolition and sealing efforts against illegal commercial establishments and unauthorized constructions due to ongoing judicial scrutiny.
Nevertheless, the bench suggested that enforcement efforts have not corresponded with the severity of the violations. “In many areas, especially certain neighborhoods, demolition orders for unauthorized structures have been finalized but remain unimplemented,” the court noted.
The court emphasized that if the situation does not change by the next hearing, accountability will be assigned to the commissioner and CEO involved.
In response to the Supreme Court’s remarks, the GMDA stated that directives have been disseminated to relevant departments, including HSVP, the department of town and country planning, MCG, and HSIIDC, for necessary actions.
GMDA has been conducting regular drives to eliminate illegal constructions and encroachments from its green belts and other land under its management.
District town planner RS Baath, who is also the GMDA’s nodal officer for enforcement, remarked, “Before the next hearing, GMDA will compile and submit a comprehensive status report on actions taken to the Supreme Court.”
These observations are part of the Supreme Court’s ongoing nationwide oversight of illegal constructions, unauthorized land-use changes, and failures in enforcement by civic authorities.
This matter is currently being deliberated in the Loganathan case, which has expanded into a broader investigation of widespread violations of municipal laws and building regulations across the nation.
