New Delhi: The Lucknow Municipal Corporation has once again carried out an anti-encroachment drive, which has affected lawyers as well. Chambers that had been constructed illegally adjacent to the court premises were completely razed to the ground using bulldozers. During the operation, the Municipal Corporation’s team faced opposition from the lawyers.
Agitated lawyers staged a protest, raising slogans against the Municipal Corporation administration and the government. They have demanded an immediate halt to the demolition drive. Approximately 10 bulldozers were deployed to the court premises for the removal of the encroachments, sparking significant resentment among the lawyers toward the government.
Municipal Corporation to demolish 211 illegal chambers
The Lucknow Municipal Corporation is set to demolish 211 chambers that were built illegally near the court premises; all of these have been identified following a thorough investigation. On Sunday, 10 bulldozers were deployed to carry out the demolition, and 10 heavy-duty dump trucks (hyva) have been engaged to clear the debris. A large police force has been deployed at the site during the operation.
Angered by the demolition, the lawyers have warned the state government, stating that they will respond to this action in 2027. According to the Municipal Corporation, these chambers were constructed illegally over drains and sewage channels. A few days ago, the lawyers had filed a petition in the High Court against the Municipal Corporation’s proposed action, but their appeal was dismissed.
The Municipal Corporation had previously issued notices for the removal of these chambers, but the lawyers failed to comply. The lawyers had raised objections to these notices, all of which have since been rejected by the Municipal Corporation. The demolition was originally scheduled for October 11 but was postponed due to the pending resolution of the lawyers’ objections and an ongoing appeal in court. Between May and August, 72 chambers were demolished in two phases.
How many chambers were identified in last year’s survey?
A year ago, in connection with a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) pending before the High Court, the Municipal Corporation surveyed chambers built over drains and gutters in the vicinity of the old High Court complex in Kaiserbagh, the District and Sessions Court, the Registration Office, and the District Magistrate’s office.
At that time, the Municipal Corporation had identified 241 chambers for demolition. Subsequent action led to the razing of 72 of these chambers; however, the failure to take action against the remaining ones was highlighted as a significant issue.
Action is being taken pursuant to High Court orders.
In this regard, Om Prakash Singh, a Zonal Officer with the Lucknow Municipal Corporation, stated that, in compliance with High Court orders, efforts are underway to remove all illegal structures,s including those built over drains, gutters, footpaths, and roads outside the court complex. Notices have also been issued to the concerned parties.
