MEERUT: Following a Supreme Court directive, the Uttar Pradesh Housing Development Board took action to demolish an unauthorized commercial building located on a residential site in Meerut on Saturday.
The structure was situated in the Central Market area of Shastri Nagar.
“The demolition took approximately five hours, and most of the structure has been removed. The building is currently sealed, and efforts will continue on Sunday morning,” stated Rajiv Kumar, Superintendent Engineer of the Uttar Pradesh Awas Vikas Parishad, to PTI.
He also mentioned that there has been no pushback from those involved.
On December 17, 2024, the Supreme Court asserted that illegal constructions cannot be made legitimate due to bureaucratic delays, the passage of time, or financial investment and provided a series of recommendations to combat illegal building practices.
The panel, comprising Justices J B Pardiwala and R Mahadevan, emphasized that violations identified post-construction must prompt immediate corrective measures, including the demolition of illegal sections and penalties for responsible officials.
Additionally, the bench confirmed the decision to demolish unauthorized constructions in residential zones, highlighting the importance of adherence to urban planning regulations and the accountability of officials.
The bench was adjudicating appeals, including one from Rajendra Kumar Barjatya, contesting a 2014 Allahabad High Court ruling that ordered the demolition of illegal structures in Shastri Nagar.
The apex court validated the high court’s ruling and issued further directives aimed at curbing such construction practices across the nation.
