Supreme Court Rebukes Meerut Commissioner Over Delays in Illegal Unit Sealing
Meerut authorities significantly intensified their sealing drive against forty-four illegal commercial establishments in the city's bustling Central Market on Wednesday. This decisive action followed sharp criticism from the Supreme Court, which directly questioned divisional commissioner Rishikesh Bhasker Yashod about persistent delays in enforcement.
Court Questions Official's Commitment to Rule of Law
The two-judge bench of Justices J B Pardiwala and K V Vishwanathan expressed strong disapproval during the hearing, challenging commissioner Yashod directly. "Will you succumb to the hue and cry of encroachers or will you go by the rule of law?" the bench demanded, highlighting concerns about the official's commitment to legal compliance.
The court specifically flagged Yashod's October 27, 2025 order that had temporarily halted demolition activities in Central Market. This order was based on a proposed amendment to the Master Plan that sought to designate the area as a "market street." The bench firmly reminded the commissioner of his duty to comply with Supreme Court directives, questioning the authority behind his decision to pause demolitions.
Heavy Police Deployment Supports Enforcement Action
Backed by substantial police presence, enforcement teams targeted residential properties that had been illegally converted over time into various commercial establishments. The affected units included:
- Hospitals and medical clinics
- Shopping complexes and retail outlets
- Educational institutions and schools
- Banking facilities and financial offices
While the sealing initiative began on Tuesday with action against a single hospital, it gained considerable momentum following the Supreme Court's stern remarks. The enforcement drive specifically focused on one of Meerut's busiest commercial hubs, where illegal conversions had proliferated despite previous court directives.
Trader Protests and Parental Concerns Emerge
As officials from the Uttar Pradesh Housing Board escalated enforcement measures, significant protests erupted throughout Central Market. Traders engaged in verbal clashes with police personnel, expressing frustration over what they perceived as arbitrary action.
Naveen Gupta, president of the Joint Traders Association, characterized the sealing drive as "outright harassment" and claimed that certain establishments like clinics and lawyers' offices were being targeted despite falling outside the court's specific order.
The enforcement action also generated substantial anxiety among parents whose children attend schools located within the affected area. With the new academic session already underway and admissions closed, parents expressed confusion about their children's educational continuity. Amit Gupta, a concerned parent, highlighted the practical dilemma: "We have already deposited the fees for the new session. What should we do now?"
The situation remains tense as authorities balance Supreme Court mandates with ground-level realities in one of Meerut's most commercially significant districts.
