Rajasthan High Court Issues Stern Directive on Illegal Colonies in Sanganer
The Rajasthan High Court has taken a firm stance in a matter concerning the removal of 87 illegal colonies in Sanganer, Jaipur. In a recent hearing, the court has granted the Rajasthan Housing Board a strict three-week deadline to comply with its earlier order dated August 20, 2025.
Court Warns of Personal Appearance for Non-Compliance
In a stern directive, the court has explicitly warned that if the housing board fails to meet this compliance within the stipulated time frame, the commissioner must personally appear before the court. This order was officially uploaded on Wednesday, underscoring the urgency and seriousness of the situation.
Background of the Case and Petition
The case gained attention following a petition filed by the organization Public Against Corruption. The petition raised significant concerns over a state government order issued on March 12, 2025, which aimed to regularize colonies built on land that had been acquired by the housing board but was subsequently encroached upon by illegal occupants.
Counsel for Public Against Corruption, Poonam Chand Bhandari, highlighted that the high court's August order mandated the housing board to take immediate action against these encroachments. This included reclaiming the acquired land and holding accountable the officials who facilitated or permitted these illegal activities.
Allegations of Inaction and Ongoing Violations
Petitioners informed the court that over six months have elapsed since the directive was issued, yet no substantial measures have been taken to rectify the situation. Construction activities are reportedly still ongoing, with claims that officials have failed to intervene adequately.
Moreover, the petitioners accused influential individuals of exploiting the situation by masking their activities under the guise of smaller occupants. This suggests a concerning lack of enforcement by the housing board against these encroachments, potentially allowing the illegal colonies to persist.
Contempt Proceedings and Court's Response
Considering the ongoing violations and the apparent inaction by the housing board, a petition seeking contempt proceedings against housing board officials was filed. This prompted the court's recent order, which demands a timely response from the board and sets a clear deadline for compliance.
The court's move emphasizes the need for swift action to address the illegal colonies, protect acquired land, and ensure accountability among officials involved in the matter.
