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The Bombay High Court has ordered a land survey in Powai to investigate allegations of unauthorised encroachments on property owned by IIT Bombay. The directive was issued in response to a PIL that accused contractors of illegally seizing land and constructing slum tenements, allegedly using criminal intimidation to force residents out. The court has instructed the Mumbai Suburban District Collector to conduct the survey and submit a detailed report, ensuring that both the institute and the accused have an opportunity to present their claims. The court also mandated police protection during the removal of encroachments.
The Bombay High Court has directed the Mumbai Suburban District Collector to conduct a comprehensive survey of land owned by the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay in Powai, following allegations of unauthorised encroachments. The order was issued in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Shabbir Shaikh, who claimed that several contractors had illegally occupied land surrounding the prestigious educational institution. Advertisement
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Alok Aradhe and Justice Makarand Karnik instructed the district collector to ensure that both IIT Bombay and the alleged encroachers be given a fair opportunity to present their claims and supporting documents. The court stressed that if the allegations of encroachment are substantiated, necessary action should be taken to clear the land in accordance with the law. Government pleader Neha Bhide assured the court that adequate police protection would be provided to the collector during the removal of encroachments to prevent any untoward incidents.
According to the PIL, the petitioner alleged that three contractors, referred to as 'musclemen,' had encroached upon the land and were coercing residents to vacate their properties under threat. It was further claimed that these individuals were constructing unauthorised slum tenements on the seized land and subsequently selling, leasing, or offering them on leave and licence agreements, thereby amassing substantial unaccounted wealth.
The PIL also highlighted allegations of the formation of fraudulent cooperative housing societies and the large-scale sale of land through unscrupulous real estate dealers. The petitioner expressed concerns that these activities could lead to a complete takeover of IIT Bombay's land if left unchecked.
This is not the first time IIT Bombay has raised concerns about encroachments on its land. In previous years, the institute had approached the authorities seeking intervention to prevent illegal constructions and protect its property. However, the recent PIL brings fresh allegations of criminal intimidation, illegal construction, and fraudulent real estate transactions involving the institute's land.
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