The Rajasthan High Court has directed the state government to respond to a PIL challenging unregulated multi-storey construction in previously inhabited colonies, focusing on a 17,000 sq. m. plot at Old Malviya Nagar in Jaipur. The petitioner, Badal Verma, alleged misuse of government land near Gandhinagar Judges' Residence under the guise of redevelopment, claiming a potential revenue loss of INR 1,400 crore. Plans for six 18-19 floor towers include commercial activities along a prime road valued at INR 73,000 per sq. m. The case highlights concerns over urban redevelopment practices and government accountability, with the court's intervention signaling heightened scrutiny of high-value land use and public resource management.
A division bench of the Rajasthan High Court recently directed the state government, through the Chief Secretary, to file a response regarding a public interest litigation (PIL) that challenges the government's policy on the unregulated construction of multi-storey buildings in previously inhabited colonies across various cities in the state. The bench has specifically sought a response regarding the construction of a multi-storey building on a 17,000 square metre plot of land within the proposed site of the Old Malviya Nagar Regional Engineering College (MREC) Campus and Officers' Residence near the Gandhinagar Judges' Residence in Jaipur.
During the hearing of the PIL filed by Badal Verma, Dr Abhinav Sharma, representing the petitioner, argued that government property was being misused in the name of redevelopment near the judges' residences in Gandhinagar. He further claimed that the project would result in a loss of more than INR 1,400 crore in revenue.
Dr Sharma alleged that, under the guise of redevelopment, the government had plans to build six towers, each with 18 to 19 floors, in the first phase of the project. He added that the units in two of the towers would be sold, while commercial activities, including gyms, would be operated on two floors along the road leading from Tonk Road to Gandhi Circle.
Citing the District Level Committee (DLC) rates, Dr Sharma pointed out that the government itself had set a minimum rate of over INR 73,000 for properties along this particular road.
The petitioners also contended that, despite the plan being approved by Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma, the state's Advocate General had earlier misrepresented facts in court, claiming that no such decision had been made. This misrepresentation occurred after the court had taken suo motu cognisance and granted a stay on the development. In response, Advocate General Rajendra Prasad informed the court that, since the division bench had already closed the case, the matter of the proposed multi-storey housing in Gandhinagar should be dealt with separately from the case concerning flats being constructed elsewhere in the state.
The ongoing legal proceedings highlight the growing concerns over the regulation of urban development in Rajasthan. The state's proposed multi-storey construction projects, especially those involving government land and high-value areas, have drawn significant attention. The Rajasthan High Court's intervention in this case signals a broader scrutiny of urban redevelopment practices and government accountability in land use, particularly when public resources are involved.
Advertisement
Facebook
Whatsapp
