Supreme Court has refused to allow any interference in the ongoing action against illegal constructions and unauthorised commercial use in Bhopal, while setting the next hearing for September 15 and cancelling all High Court stay orders granted to affected shopkeepers.
Supreme Court has taken a strict stand on the ongoing case involving illegal constructions and commercial activities in residential areas of Bhopal. During Wednesday’s hearing, the court said no parallel process should affect the investigation being carried out under its directions. It also cancelled all relief orders granted by the Madhya Pradesh High Court to shopkeepers, reinforcing that action against violations must continue in accordance with the law. The matter will next be heard on September 15.
Supreme Court Bars Any Interference in Ongoing Proceedings
The Supreme Court strongly objected to the Madhya Pradesh government’s decision to constitute a 10-member committee to review the issue while the matter remains under judicial scrutiny. During the hearing, the Bench observed that no parallel process or committee could be allowed to influence proceedings being monitored by the apex court.
The court also reportedly criticised the state government’s counsel, stating that action taken under Supreme Court directions cannot be diluted through another administrative process.
The order effectively removes all stay orders earlier granted by the Madhya Pradesh High Court to shopkeepers affected by the civic body’s action, allowing enforcement proceedings to continue without judicial protection at that level.
Supreme Court Signals Fresh Civic Action Across Bhopal
The latest observations are expected to accelerate the Bhopal Municipal Corporation’s drive against illegal commercial activities operating from residential buildings.
During the hearing, the municipal corporation informed the court that it intended to act against illegal constructions and unauthorised commercial use but had faced practical and legal hurdles in carrying out effective enforcement.
The Supreme Court responded by making it clear that there should be no relaxation in implementing the law and that due legal process must continue without unnecessary delays.
Background: Why the Case Reached the Supreme Court
The dispute relates to commercial establishments operating from residential properties in several parts of Bhopal. Following earlier Supreme Court directions, the Bhopal Municipal Corporation issued notices and sealed a number of premises found violating land-use rules.
However, petitioner Vivek Tripathi later alleged before the court that enforcement had weakened and several sealed establishments had reopened despite the apex court’s earlier directions. He argued that the municipal action had slowed after initial enforcement.
These concerns prompted the Supreme Court to review the implementation of its previous orders.
State Government Had Formed Review Committee
Following protests from traders and public representatives, Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav chaired a meeting with elected representatives and senior officials earlier this week.
The state government subsequently constituted a 10-member committee to examine the Supreme Court’s directions and submit a report. It had also indicated that traders would receive temporary relief until the committee completed its assessment.
However, during Wednesday’s hearing, the Supreme Court made it clear that such a committee could not interfere with or influence proceedings already being monitored by the court.
Residents and Traders Continue to Differ
The issue has triggered strong reactions from both residents and traders across the city.
Residents from areas including Arera Colony, Rohit Nagar and Bawadiya Kalan held protests under the banner of the Joint Residents’ Struggle Committee. They argued that increasing commercial activity inside residential neighbourhoods has led to traffic congestion, parking shortages and safety concerns.
On the other hand, the Bhopal Chamber of Commerce and Industries has demanded the implementation of a mixed land-use policy. The organisation said the absence of a new master plan since 2005 has left traders with limited access to commercial plots, forcing many businesses to operate from residential properties.
Meanwhile, Congress MLA Arif Masood staged a protest demanding the implementation of Bhopal’s long-pending master plan. He said a properly enforced master plan is essential for planned urban development and balanced growth.
Also read: Chief Minister Reviews Bhopal Sports Complex Before Asian Hockey Championship
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