Thane Demolition Drive: TMC Razes 10 Illegal Buildings After Bombay HC Rap; Judicial Probe Ordered Into Land Encroachment

Mumbai: After a stinging rebuke from the Bombay High Court over rampant unauthorised construction in Thane, the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) has launched a demolition drive, razing 10 buildings entirely and partially demolishing seven others.

The civic body informed the court on Thursday that it would first target illegal structures in green zones and No Development Zones (NDZs). Nine special teams, one for each zone and headed by assistant commissioners, have been formed to oversee the drive.

The court, which is monitoring the issue closely, was hearing a plea by senior citizen Subhadra Takle, who alleged illegal construction of 17 buildings on her land. The judges had earlier described the case as one that “would shock the conscience of the Court” and directed a judicial inquiry and an immediate site inspection of the area.

On Thursday, a report was submitted by the court commissioner highlighting that there were 21 illegal buildings, and not just 17.

“These are serious issues — not just about illegal construction, but the role of municipal officers and the land mafia which has the audacity to build without fear of law,” a bench of Justices Girish Kulkarni and Arif Doctor observed. “Such massive construction cannot happen without the blessings of official machinery.”

TMC counsel Ashutosh Kumbhkoni and Mandar Limaye submitted that demolition began on June 12. “We have completely demolished 10 buildings. Two others are 80% demolished, and five more are underway — the flats that were unoccupied have been brought down,” he said, adding that some buildings were still partially occupied, complicating the process.

Kumbhkoni added that a nodal officer had been appointed to coordinate with the judicial commissioner conducting the inquiry.

The judges slammed the civic body for failing to act in time. “Everything is happening before your eyes, and there is no action. You issue notices and then do nothing,” the court said. “Before you can think, even Thane is gone. It will be a big chaos where things will be out of control,” the bench said.

During the hearing, a petition was mentioned by another land owner alleging that his land too was usurped by a developer and was constructing buildings illegally. The petitioner named certain municipal officers who allegedly connived with the developer.

The court said that the judicial inquiry, led by a principal district judge, will also examine the roles of municipal officers named by the petitioner. “If the statements made on oath are found true, these officers must be held accountable,” the court said.

The court minced no words in highlighting the roles of politicians in allowing illegal encroachment to thrive. People migrate to the state in search of jobs and encroach on available land. “People come from all parts of the country and are given accommodation,” the bench said.

It added the problem was that legitimate voters don't vote (during elections), thereby allowing such illegality to thrive. “Whoever is legitimate, don’t go to vote. These (encroachers) are the people who go to vote. Therefore the more the merrier… Everyone come and encroach on government land, we will come up with a policy (for rehabilitation),” the judges lamented.

The HC has kept the matter for hearing next week and directed TMC and other parties to file fresh affidavits detailing action taken and identifying those responsible.