Mumbai: The Supreme Court supported the Bombay High Court's ruling to tear down 17 unlawfully built structures in Thane's green areas, praising the High Court for its "bold" position. On June 12, the High Court ordered that all illegal constructions should be torn down. Danish Zaheer Siddiqui disputed this ruling in the Supreme Court. The highest court chose not to get involved, recommending that he seek a review at the High Court instead.
The vacation bench of two judges, headed by Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Manohan, highlighted the illegal nature of the constructions, pointing out the underworld's collaboration with municipal authorities. In denying Siddiqui's appeal, the court voiced concern about the city's widespread encroachment, encouraging residents to be aware of their environment. They commended the High Court for its firm measures, emphasising that unauthorised constructions were carried out without permits and were encroaching on adjacent properties.
The Supreme Court recognized that the matter may not have come to light if an innocent woman had not disclosed her land being invaded and structures erected without her permission. Siddiqui stated that the destruction of eight buildings resulted in around 400 families becoming homeless, and he was among the purchasers of a flat in one of those impacted buildings. He argued that the High Court's ruling effectively granted the Thane Municipal Corporation the power to demolish without additional evaluation.
The Supreme Court chose not to give its opinion, permitting Siddiqui's lawyer the choice to retract the application and pursue relief at the High Court. The Supreme Court also imposed a temporary stay on the demolition of a dargah in Thane, establishing a week’s status quo on anti-encroachment efforts and instructing the dargah trust to seek the Bombay High Court's intervention concerning the demolition order given on March 10.
The Supreme Court's remarks highlighted a wider issue regarding unlawful constructions and possible collusion, emphasizing the gravity of the matter and reinforcing the importance of civic duty in addressing encroachment. Justice Bhuyan's comments highlighted the astonishing boldness of individuals engaged in unlawful actions to pursue legal measures despite clear misconduct. The court demanded an end to the current unapproved constructions, insisting on the enforcement of regulations against dishonest developers to maintain legal order.
