Bhopal Demolition Stay Extended Till Sept 15

The Madhya Pradesh High Court has continued the stay on demolition of houses located within 50 metres of Kaliyasot River and Upper Lake in Bhopal.

The decision was made by Justice Vishal Mishra's single bench on Wednesday, with the next hearing scheduled for September 15.

The court is hearing a total of 105 petitions against Bhopal Municipal Corporation (BMC) notices and orders related to encroachments, illegal constructions, and commercial activities.

During the hearing, petitioners argued that the constructions had been carried out after obtaining due approval from the competent authorities under the provisions of Master Plan-2005.

Despite this, the BMC had subsequently declared them illegal, leading to the petitions being filed.

The court had previously heard 42 petitions on Monday, followed by cases on Tuesday concerning orders and show-cause notices related to commercial activities in residential areas.

These areas included the Arera Colony area and the 50-metre zones around Kaliyasot and Bada Talab.

While disposing of petitions against show-cause notices, the court directed the BMC to examine the petitioners' replies in accordance with law and pass reasoned orders.

As arguments in the demolition-related cases could not be completed due to paucity of time, the court retained the existing stay on demolition and posted the matter for September 15.

The stay on demolition will provide temporary relief to the residents of the affected areas, who will now have to wait until the next hearing to know the fate of their homes.

The case highlights the ongoing issue of encroachments and illegal constructions in Bhopal, with the BMC attempting to regulate and remove such structures.

However, the petitioners' argument that they had obtained due approval for their constructions raises questions about the BMC's decision-making process and the legality of their actions.

The court's decision to extend the stay on demolition will allow for further examination of the issue and provide an opportunity for the petitioners to present their case.

The outcome of the case will have significant implications for the residents of Bhopal and the city's development, as it will determine the fate of the houses located near Kaliyasot River and Upper Lake.

The Madhya Pradesh High Court's decision to hear the petitions and extend the stay on demolition demonstrates its commitment to upholding the law and protecting the rights of citizens.

The case will continue to be closely watched as it progresses, with the next hearing scheduled for September 15.