Maharashtra govt gets 120 days to raise police cell for illegal buildings

MUMBAI: The Bombay high court on Monday expressed displeasure over the fact that over 400 illegal buildings have come up in Navi Mumbai since its July 2015 order to act against unauthorised structures. A division bench of Justices Abhay Oka and Anuja Prabhudessai has given the Maharashtra government four months to implement a cabinet decision to raise a special cell of police officers to crack down on illegal structures.

"Data placed on record shows that not only were orders being violated but many illegal structures were coming up in Navi Mumbai," said the judges, while recollecting that the state had paid huge amounts as compensation to acquire land to build the satellite city.

"This shows the sorry state of affairs. Notwithstanding court orders, we find not only that very few structures have been demolished but illegal construction continues," the bench said.

The court questioned the state over its failure to implement a government resolution of May 2015 that spoke of a special force of police officials to be deputed in Navi Mumbai to act against illegal structures. "This shows your intentions. Illegal constructions continue as people think that the government will protect us," said the judges. The court clarified that there was no stay on demolition of illegal buildings and told police to provide support to civic staff.

Advocate general Rohit Deo informed the HC that the state was drafting a policy to regularise illegal structures and had invited suggestions from civic bodies across Maharashtra. Deo said the final draft would be submitted to the HC for approval. The HC adjourned the case to February 22 for the state government and Navi Mumbai planning authorities to file compliance reports.

The court was hearing PILs filed by Mayura Maru against illegal structures in Navi Mumbai and by Rajiv Mishra seeking demolition of unauthorised structures in Digha in the satellite township. The HC had directed the authorities to take action against the structures in July 2015.