The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to consider listing a challenge against an Allahabad High Court directive that ordered the removal of lawyers’ chambers allegedly built on public land near the Lucknow District Court complex.
Scheduled Action and Court Observations
A bench comprising Chief Justice Surya Kant, Justice Joymalya Bagchi, and Justice V. Mohana was informed by legal counsel that demolition notices have already been served to the affected parties, with enforcement operations scheduled for August 30.
During the submission, the Chief Justice inquired why the petitioners had not approached the High Court for relief. Counsel clarified that the High Court itself had issued the demolition directives. In response to the bench’s observation that the structures appeared to be unauthorized, counsel pointed out that the chambers have been in existence for approximately 40 years.
The Chief Justice noted that the lawyers could submit their official replies to the demolition notices. However, counsel emphasized that municipal authorities had issued the notices with the direct intention of executing the demolitions. The Chief Justice stated the court would examine the matter, without assigning a specific date for a hearing.
High Court Directive and Municipal Action
The petition follows an August 6 ruling by the Allahabad High Court, which instructed the Lucknow Municipal Corporation to issue notices to 72 alleged encroachers, the majority of whom are practicing lawyers. The contested structures were allegedly erected over public pathways and public utility land adjacent to the district court premises.
Under the High Court order, the occupants were required to either establish legal rights over the property and structures or vacate the land. The court directed municipal authorities to proceed with demolition if the occupants failed to comply.
