The Bombay High Court has sharply criticized the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) for its failure to remove illegal constructions on a plot in Navi Mumbai. The court questioned whether the rule of law exists or whether force is ruling, following reports that CIDCO officers had been threatened by the Sarpanch of Bokadvira village during an attempted demolition.
The case stems from a 2016 petition filed by Deepak Patil, who requested the court to order the demolition of unauthorized structures on his land. During a recent hearing, the bench of Justice Ajay Gadkari and Justice Kamal Katha expressed strong disapproval, stating that CIDCO officials had shown reluctance to take strong action against the illegal constructions.
CIDCO representatives revealed that during the legal proceedings, the Sarpanch of Bokadvira village had threatened their officers. In response, the court emphasized that the officers have the right to adequate police protection and reminded CIDCO that they must stop illegal activities and uphold the rule of law. The court directed CIDCO to take immediate legal action and remove the illegal constructions within one week.
The bench also took note of an affidavit filed by CIDCO in 2022, which confirmed that the constructions on the petitioner’s land were indeed illegal. However, the court criticized CIDCO for failing to take any legal action against these illegal structures over the past decade.
This ruling highlights the growing frustration over the inaction of authorities in enforcing legal provisions against illegal construction activities in the region. The court’s directive to CIDCO serves as a strong reminder that government agencies must fulfill their responsibilities to uphold the law and ensure public accountability.
