The Supreme Court has issued a contempt notice to the Vice-Chairman of the Lucknow Development Authority (LDA) over the alleged failure to comply with its directions on illegal constructions and land-use violations, while taking serious note of the recent Lucknow fire tragedy that claimed the lives of 15 students.
A Bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan directed the LDA Vice-Chairman to appear in person at the next hearing and explain why contempt proceedings should not be initiated for non-compliance with the court’s earlier orders.
The Bench observed that no effective action had been taken against those responsible for violating sanctioned land-use norms under the city’s Master Plan.
“This Court is constrained to issue notice in the contempt proceedings, as it is an admitted position that no effective action has been taken against those who have blatantly violated the sanctioned land use prescribed under the Master Plan,” the Bench observed.
During the hearing, amicus curiae and senior advocate Ajit Kumar Sinha informed the court that the devastating fire in a commercial building in Lucknow’s Aliganj area resulted in the deaths of 15 students and left several others injured. The building, which was allegedly being used for commercial purposes, was demolished following the incident.
According to the amicus, demolition proceedings had originally been initiated on May 10, 2016, but the order was withdrawn by the same authority on July 5, 2016, on technical grounds. No further action was taken until the fatal fire occurred.
Taking note of these submissions, the apex court directed that the report prepared by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted to probe the incident be produced before it in a sealed cover at the next hearing.
The Bench also reiterated that the LDA Vice-Chairman must remain personally present to explain the alleged non-compliance with the court’s earlier directions.
At the same time, the court exempted the Lucknow Municipal Commissioner from personal appearance for the present.
The Supreme Court also allowed the Lucknow Development Authority to be formally impleaded as a party in the proceedings after it filed an affidavit seeking to be added as a respondent.
The matter forms part of the apex court’s continuing oversight of illegal constructions and unauthorised land-use violations across the country.
Last month, the Supreme Court had expressed strong concern over the failure of civic authorities to enforce building regulations despite repeated judicial directions. It had observed that if officials fail to act even after orders from the country’s highest court, it raises serious concerns about governance and public safety.
The court had also referred to recent incidents involving fires and building collapses, including the Lucknow tragedy, warning that lax enforcement of building laws could lead to catastrophic consequences and that officials responsible for implementation would be held personally accountable.
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