Orders Demolition of Illegal Portions in 44 Sealed Properties and Restoration to Original Form

The Supreme Court of India has adopted an unyielding stance against rampant unauthorized construction and commercial encroachment in urban residential zones. Hearing a high-profile contempt petition filed by Lokesh Khurana concerning the bustling Central Market area in Meerut's Shastri Nagar Scheme-7, the apex bench comprising Justice J.B. Pardiwala and Justice K.V. Viswanathan has ordered the immediate demolition of illegal additions across 44 previously sealed properties, directing that the structures be completely restored to their original sanctioned architectural layouts.

Strict Refusal to Implement New Building Bylaws

During Tuesday's crucial proceedings, senior advocate Salman Khurshid appeared before the court and earnestly urged the bench to consider implementing newly framed building construction bylaws to offer legal relief to the affected property allottees. However, the top court firmly dismissed the request, refusing to grant blanket immunity or alter structural enforcement standards. Furthermore, the bench directed the removal of unauthorized setbacks across 459 housing units originally designated for economically weaker and low-income demographics.

Expanding the Crackdown Across Meerut

Significantly broadening the scope of the urban accountability drive, the Supreme Court has instructed the Principal Secretary of Housing and Urban Planning to launch a comprehensive city-wide survey. Authorities have been tasked with identifying all residential plots and buildings across other commercial pockets of Meerut that are illegally engaging in unapproved commercial operations. An exhaustive compliance and identification status report has been mandated for presentation during the next scheduled hearing in September.