Today ( 28th February) A petition has been lodged in the Supreme Court opposing the demolition of shops in Akbar Nagar, Lucknow. This move comes in response to the Lucknow Development Authority’s decision to demolish several commercial spaces along Ayodhya Road, deemed illegal. The dispute escalated after the Allahabad High Court rejected the appeals of 24 occupants, allowing the demolition to proceed. The petition seeks intervention from the Supreme Court to halt the demolition drive, raising concerns about the legality and fairness of the enforcement actions.
NEW DELHI: Today (28th February): A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the demolition of commercial spaces in Akbar Nagar, Lucknow. This move comes after the Allahabad High Court dismissed the pleas of 24 occupants, thereby authorizing the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) to proceed with the demolition of structures deemed illegal in the area.
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The controversy began when the LDA identified several shops and commercial buildings along Ayodhya Road in Akbar Nagar for demolition, citing them as illegal establishments. The demolition drive, which started on Tuesday evening immediately following the high court’s decision, has sparked a significant outcry among the affected shop owners and residents.
Senior Advocate S Muralidhar quickly brought the issue to the Supreme Court’s attention, arguing against the rapid enforcement of the demolition order. However, the Supreme Court bench, led by Justice Sanjiv Khanna, noted that the special leave petition had not yet been officially listed, delaying immediate intervention.
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The occupants had initially sought relief from the high court, challenging the LDA’s orders. However, the court, led by Justice Vivek Chaudhary and Justice Om Prakash Shukla, declined to intervene, stating that the petitioners failed to justify the discretionary relief sought. The division of occupants into taxpayers and Below Poverty Line (BPL) cardholders further complicated the matter, as discrepancies in their claims and documentation were brought to light.
The petitioners were not slum dwellers as claimed, and their establishments were not located within a designated slum area, as stated by the court. This distinction was crucial in the court’s decision to allow the demolition to proceed, as it underscored the importance of legal and factual accuracy in such disputes.
The Akbar Nagar case highlights the ongoing challenges in urban development and the enforcement of construction norms. The LDA’s actions, while legally sanctioned, raise questions about the balance between development and the rights of occupants. Moreover, the swift execution of the demolition order post-verdict underscores the need for a more nuanced approach in handling such sensitive matters.
As the Supreme Court prepares to hear the petition, the outcome will not only determine the fate of the Akbar Nagar occupants but also set a precedent for future urban development conflicts in India. The case serves as a reminder of the intricate relationship between law, society, and urban planning, urging all stakeholders to navigate these waters with care and due diligence.
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