The Supreme Court criticised Uttar Pradesh authorities for failing to act on illegal constructions, calling the case a national “eye-opener.” It ordered strict action, including demolition of unauthorised setbacks, warning officials against ignoring the rule of law.
The Supreme Court of India on Thursday made strong observations about the failure of authorities in Uttar Pradesh to act against illegal commercial buildings, saying the situation should act as a warning for all States across the country.
A Bench of Justice JB Pardiwala and Justice KV Viswanathan said that the present crisis, where schools and hospitals had to be urgently sealed, could have been avoided if officials had taken timely action.
The Court clearly stated,
“Had the authorities taken steps in the appropriate time in the right direction this situation would not have arisen. This case is an eye opener for the state machinery, not just for UP, but for the entire country,”
highlighting serious administrative failure.
The case relates to a contempt petition filed over the inaction of the Uttar Pradesh Awas Evam Vikas Parishad (UP AEVP), which failed to demolish hundreds of illegal commercial buildings running in residential areas of Meerut.
Earlier in the week, the Court had strongly criticised two senior IAS officers — P Guruprasad, Chairman of UP AEVP, and former Meerut Divisional Commissioner Rishikesh Bhaskar Yashod — for what it called “absolute defiance” of court orders.
The Bench was particularly upset with Yashod for passing an administrative stay on demolitions in October 2025. He had justified his decision by saying it was to avoid public unrest. However, the Court did not accept this explanation and questioned his approach.
In a sharp remark during an earlier hearing, the Court asked,
“So will you succumb to hue and cry by the encroachers or go by the rule of law?”
and pointed out that such actions had created a “complete deadlock” in enforcing legal orders.
The Court had also warned Guruprasad on April 2 when he failed to give a proper explanation for demolishing only one building out of 860 identified illegal structures.
At that time, the Bench issued a strong warning, stating,
“He will remember us for the rest of his career. This should not happen again.”
During the latest hearing, Senior Advocate Rajiv Shakdher, appearing for Guruprasad, informed the Court that authorities had started complying with previous orders. He said that the most dangerous structures had been sealed.
According to the update, six schools, six hospitals, and three banks operating in unauthorised buildings were shut down, and students, patients, and other occupants were safely relocated.
While taking note of this progress, the Court shifted its focus to the remaining 800-plus illegal constructions, especially the issue of illegal “setbacks” — the mandatory space required between a building and its boundary.
The Bench questioned the authorities on future steps and clearly stated,
“After sealing all the 44 unauthorised structures, what further steps will you take? All illegal, unauthorised set backs have to go.”
In its order, the Court gave the Parishad two months to remove all illegal setbacks and made it very clear that such violations cannot be regularised by paying a penalty or fee.
The Court allowed authorities to issue notices to property owners, asking them to remove illegal portions themselves. If they fail to do so, the Parishad can carry out demolition and recover the cost from the owners.
Additionally, the Court asked for a status report on whether any other parts of these buildings could be regularised under existing building laws.
The Bench also directed Guruprasad, who appeared through video conferencing, to carefully read the latest order and immediately begin the process of removing illegal setbacks.
The matter is now scheduled for the next hearing on July 14.
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