The Bombay High Court has directed the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) to go ahead with the demolition of an illegally constructed ground-plus-six-storey building in Ayare village near Kalyan. The court granted 15 days’ time to the building’s occupants to vacate the premises, failing which the civic body has been instructed to take legal action and proceed with the demolition.
A division bench of Justices G.S. Kulkarni and Arif Doctor issued the order last week while hearing a plea filed by landowner Baban Kene, who sought not only the demolition of the structure—declared unauthorized in August 2019—but also action against the developer and civic officials responsible for allowing the illegal construction to continue despite a stop-work notice.
KDMC officials admitted in court that the building was constructed without any planning permissions. Municipal Commissioner Indu Rani Jakhar informed the court that steps were being taken to vacate the structure and begin demolition. The civic body also noted that residents had sought regularisation of the building, but their plea was rejected by the court.
Reiterating that occupants of illegal constructions have no legal rights, the court said such pleas cannot be entertained and warned the state government against passing orders contrary to the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act. “Only lawful construction adhering to prescribed procedures can be recognised,” the court said.
The court’s firm stance aims to reinforce accountability in urban planning and deter unauthorised developments that flout regulatory norms.
