High tensions erupted in Mohali's Phase 4 area on Thursday as a joint anti-encroachment drive by municipal and development authorities was abruptly halted following the intervention of a High Court lawyer. The operation, which involved heavy machinery removing iron grills and corner fencing from residential berms, faced fierce opposition from local residents who accused authorities of selective targeting.
Resident Uproar and Political Support
The demolition action began early Thursday morning with heavy machinery moving through Phase 4 to dismantle structures that authorities deemed illegal encroachments. However, the operation quickly met with organized resistance from area residents who gathered to protest what they called an unfair and sudden action.
Local councillors Davinder Kaur Walia and Rupinder Reena, along with Phase 4 youth leader Navin Sandhu, joined the protesting residents in condemning the drive. The collective argument centered not on opposition to court orders, but rather the methodology of implementation. Residents expressed particular frustration about the lack of prior notice, which they claimed prevented them from voluntarily complying and removing the structures themselves.
"Had residents been given a few days, they would have removed the grills themselves and no confrontation would have taken place," the protesting group maintained. They also raised questions about the selective nature of the drive, insisting that if the administration was following a uniform policy, the action should have logically begun from Phase 1 rather than singling out Phase 4.
Administration's Stance and Legal Background
Mohali Commissioner Parminder Pal Singh Sidhu defended the action, explaining that it was being carried out strictly under a 2022 High Court order. The commissioner revealed that due to lack of strict enforcement by both the Municipal Corporation and GMADA over the past two years, the matter had escalated into contempt proceedings, prompting the court to issue immediate compliance directions.
Commissioner Sidhu urged residents to voluntarily remove their grills to avoid damage during future operations. He firmly maintained that there was "no bias in the operation" and assured that the same rules would be applied across all areas of Mohali. The commissioner also announced that anti-encroachment action would be carried out throughout Mohali within the next 15 days, suggesting this was merely the beginning of a broader enforcement campaign.
Legal Intervention and Temporary Resolution
The situation reached a critical point when a High Court lawyer intervened, leading to the temporary suspension of the demolition activities. This legal intervention provided temporary relief to residents while raising broader questions about the implementation of court orders and the rights of residents regarding proper notice and uniform application of regulations.
The confrontation highlights the ongoing tension between municipal authorities tasked with enforcing court orders and residents who feel targeted by selective enforcement. The issue now appears headed for further legal scrutiny as both sides prepare their arguments regarding the proper procedure for implementing the High Court's 2022 order.
As the dust settles on Thursday's confrontation, all eyes remain on how the Municipal Corporation and GMADA will proceed with their promised city-wide anti-encroachment drive over the coming weeks, and whether residents in other phases will face similar sudden actions without prior warning.
