The Bombay High Court has directed the planning authorities – NMMC, MIDC, and CIDCO – to take strict action against illegal structures or face contempt. The court highlighted that the authorities had failed to comply with the 2018 judgment, which required them to remove illegal structures and prevent new ones from being built.
The HC was hearing a PIL filed by Kishor Shetty. Shetty expressed worry about illegal projects that were either in place or being built in Navi Mumbai and asked that appropriate action be taken against them. The court was also considering a contempt motion brought by Rajeev Mishra, noting the authorities’ failure to act on the 2018 judgment.
A bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Amit Borkar, as a last resort, directed the authorities to “take adequate and appropriate steps” to comply with the November 4, 2018 judgment and file respective affidavits. Failing which, the court will issue a contempt of court notice.
Aside from action against illegal structures, the HC urged the authorities to establish a grievance redressal body where citizens might file such concerns. In addition, the HC directed the formation of specific cells to ensure proper cooperation in the event of a jurisdictional issue.
The HC has directed State Advocate General Birendra Saraf to take up the matter with the Government at the appropriate level so that the appointment/placement of the total sanctioned strength of 78 police personnel is completed within three months.
The HC has scheduled the hearing for December 18.
Source: The Free Press Journal
