A joint anti-encroachment drive by the Municipal Corporation and the Greater Mohali Area Development Authority (GMADA) was abruptly halted in Phase 7 of Mohali on Tuesday, December 17, 2025. The operation, intended to clear illegal structures, descended into chaos amid strong resistance from residents and a sharp political face-off between local leaders.
Drive Stops After Legal Intervention in Phase 7
The operation began around 10 am with teams using JCB machines to demolish illegal extensions built outside houses. Municipal officials stated the action was part of a phased plan to make the city encroachment-free and was being carried out in compliance with High Court orders. However, the situation took a dramatic turn when the team reached the residence of a judge.
Upon learning of the action, a large group of lawyers gathered at the site and strongly objected. They presented a copy of a Supreme Court order which mandates that prior notice is compulsory before removing encroachments from residential premises. The order also states that direct demolition using JCBs without notice is illegal. Confronted with this, the officials immediately stopped the operation and withdrew, stating they would seek legal opinion.
Political Leaders Take Opposing Stands
The administrative action quickly acquired a sharp political edge as local leaders took opposing positions. MLA Kulwant Singh visited protesters in Phase 11, where shopkeepers were demonstrating. He asserted that the drive was being conducted under court directives and not by orders of the AAP government. He accused opposition leaders of misleading the public for political gain.
In contrast, Mayor Amarjit Singh Sidhu arrived at the halted demolition site in Phase 7. He launched a direct attack on the MLA and the administration, alleging the drive in his ward was politically motivated vendetta. Sidhu claimed that when resistance grew in Phases 10 and 11, the teams were diverted to his ward in Phase 7. He accused officials of violating Supreme Court guidelines by acting without issuing mandatory door-to-door notices.
Deputy Mayor Warns of Fallout, Officials Vow to Continue
Deputy Mayor Kuljeet Singh Bedi entered the fray, demanding strict adherence to the Supreme Court's 2024 guidelines from the Deputy Commissioner. He warned that carrying out demolition with JCBs "to save officials' skin will not be tolerated." Bedi cautioned that escalating public resentment could become difficult to control, holding the Deputy Commissioner and SSP directly responsible.
Despite the controversy, Municipal Commissioner Parminder Pal Singh maintained that the action was lawful. He stated, "The drive is being conducted strictly as per court orders and within the framework of law and the drive will continue tomorrow." The repeated halting of the drive and the intense political exchanges have raised serious questions about the planning, legality, and coordination of Mohali's anti-encroachment campaign.
