SC orders Uttarakhand government to remove illegal structures within May 31, 2021

The Supreme Court refused to entertain the intervention application made by Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad as no permanent structures can be constructed in the land belonging to the irrigation department. Even though, the State asked for an extension till Kumbh, it was not granted by the apex court.

New Delhi: The Supreme Court today directed the Uttrakhand government to demolish all illegal structures in four areas of Haridwar by 31st May, 2021.

The bench comprising of Justice Ashok Bhushan, Justice R Subhash Reddy and Justice M R Shah heard the matter pertaining to the removal of illegal structures in public places in Uttrakhand.

Solicitor General, Tushar Mehta, informed the apex court today that out of 793 illegal structures only 5 are remaining now and the government is bound to demolish to them due to the court's orders.

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The bench declined the intervention application made by Akhil Bhartiya Akhara Parishad as the land was contented to belong to the irrigation department.

Judges hit back saying that as no permanent construction can be made on a temporary land. The court disposed of its plea.

The state had submitted before the court that they were not against the demolition but wanted some time in view of Kumbh to be held in January next year. However, the top court refused to entertain the State's request and ordered the demolition within May 31, next year.

According to reports, the High Court took suo moto cognizance of the case as the State government failed to comply with the orders of the apex court in 2009, in which the government was asked to remove the structures by March 23.