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The Rajasthan High Court has directed a committee, led by the Urban Development and Housing Department Secretary, to hear appeals from owners of 19 sealed buildings in Jaipur's Walled City. These buildings were previously sealed for unauthorized commercial use and alleged heritage violations. The court responded to petitions claiming the owners were denied a personal hearing, emphasizing that each case must be individually reviewed. The committee must submit its report within two months, ahead of the next hearing on May 20. This move highlights the need for due process while balancing heritage preservation with the rights and livelihoods of local traders.
The Rajasthan High Court recently instructed a committee headed by the Secretary of the Urban Development and Housing Department to conduct hearings for the owners of 19 buildings in Jaipur's Walled City. These buildings had been previously ordered to be sealed due to alleged violations, including unauthorized commercial activities in residential areas and tampering with the city's heritage structures. Advertisement
The court's decision came after petitions from shopkeepers and occupants who claimed they were not given an opportunity for a personal hearing before the sealing orders were issued. Justice Indrajit Singh and Justice Manish Sharma, while providing temporary relief, emphasized that each building should be considered individually, allowing representatives to present their cases to the committee. The committee has been directed to submit its report within two months.
Previously, on February 25, the High Court had ordered the immediate sealing of these 19 buildings after a committee deemed them completely illegal. The government's response indicated that 12 buildings were considered partially illegal, and commercial activities were being conducted unlawfully in all 19. This action led to protests from approximately 900 traders, who argued that their establishments were not encroachments and that they had complied with all civic norms, including paying regular urban development taxes and having proper commercial connections for utilities.
The court has scheduled the next hearing for May 20, providing a window for the committee to complete its review and for the building owners to present their cases. This development underscores the importance of due process and the need to balance heritage conservation with the livelihoods of local traders.
The approach not only upholds the rule of law but also acknowledges the complexities involved in urban planning and the livelihoods of those operating within these historic structures. The outcome of these hearings could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future, balancing the need for conservation with economic realities.
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