The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Punjab and Haryana High Court to take up the matter related to the ongoing demolition drive in Gurugram on an urgent basis.
The Bench of Chief Justice of India Surya Kant and Justice Joymala Bagchi ordered the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court, Justice Sheel Nagu, to take up the matter today itself.
The issue was raised by Senior Advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan regarding the demolition of ‘stilt plus four’ buildings in Gurugram. He contended that while the High Court had earlier directed authorities to follow the existing policy, large-scale demolitions were now being carried out across several areas.
He also raised concerns about the lack of notice and the impact on residents, seeking temporary protection to allow affected persons to approach the High Court.
The Bench, however, observed that the structures in question were unauthorised and said that the High Court was competent to examine the matter.
The demolition drive is being carried out by the Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran across multiple sectors of Gurugram as part of an anti-encroachment exercise. It follows an earlier interim order of the High Court staying the stilt-plus-four building policy while hearing a batch of petitions.
The High Court had raised concerns about pressure on civic infrastructure such as roads, drainage and sewage systems due to additional floors permitted under the policy.
Following this, authorities began action against unauthorised constructions, including misuse of stilt parking areas and structures built beyond approved plans. However, residents have argued that the High Court had only stayed the policy and had not ordered widespread demolitions.
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