Supreme Court Orders Demolition of Illegal Constructions Across Meerut
The Supreme Court has directed authorities to demolish illegal structures across Meerut, saying unauthorised constructions cannot be legalised through delay, inaction, or the passage of time.
- SC orders demolition of illegal constructions across Meerut and nearby areas.
- No relief for setback encroachments or illegal additions in EWS houses.
- Fresh survey ordered to identify more unauthorised commercial and residential violations.
Meerut: Supreme Court has directed the demolition of illegal constructions across Meerut and its surrounding areas in Uttar Pradesh, including unauthorised additions to Economically Weaker Section (EWS) houses and encroachments in setback areas.
In its July 14 order, recently made public, the court made it clear that illegal buildings cannot become legal simply because authorities failed to act for years. The ruling is significant as it reinforces strict enforcement of planning laws and sends a strong message against unauthorised construction across the country.
The directions were issued while hearing a contempt case related to widespread illegal construction in Meerut. The court noted that several residential properties had been converted into schools, hospitals, maternity centres, diagnostic laboratories, banks, and other commercial establishments without approval, violating building regulations and posing public safety risks.
According to the compliance report submitted by the Uttar Pradesh Awas Evam Vikas Parishad, all 44 identified illegal commercial properties have already been sealed. The court has now instructed authorities to demolish these commercial structures at the earliest.
A bench comprising Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan rejected requests to regularise unauthorised constructions, especially illegal floors built in EWS houses. The bench observed that the passage of time or administrative inaction cannot erase an illegal act.
The judges stated that no individual is above the law and emphasised that courts must uphold the rule of law even when their decisions may be unpopular. The court also clarified that the Uttar Pradesh Housing and Development Board Regulations do not permit the compounding of constructions that violate the master plan.
The Supreme Court further directed authorities to identify residential buildings that have been partially converted for commercial use. Property owners must be given 15 days’ notice to remove unauthorised portions. If they fail to comply, officials have been instructed to carry out the demolition and recover the costs from the owners as arrears of land revenue. The bench also ordered the removal of all setback encroachments, making it clear that no exceptions or regularisation would be allowed.
To ensure uniform enforcement, the court has instructed the Chairman of the Uttar Pradesh Awas Evam Vikas Parishad to conduct a fresh survey across Meerut, including the city’s outskirts such as Uldepur, to identify additional illegal constructions and unauthorised commercial activities.
A fresh compliance report is expected before the next hearing on September 21. The Supreme Court also linked unchecked illegal construction to recent fire tragedies in the country and urged authorities to take timely action to prevent future disasters and uphold public safety.
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