The Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has introduced a new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to tackle land encroachment and unauthorised constructions in the capital. Following Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu's directive for "zero tolerance," the SOP mandates demolition within 72 hours of detection by dedicated Quick Response Teams and flying squads. The policy also incorporates technology like geo-tagging and drone inspections, alongside continuous monitoring to prevent re-encroachment.
The Bombay high court on Tuesday directed the Mumbai civic body to demolish the unauthorised construction at Union minister Narayan Rane's bungalow in Juhu area in Mumbai, noting that it violated the Floor Space Index (FSI) and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) rules.
A tragic fire in Lucknow that claimed 15 lives occurred in a commercial building that had a demolition order issued in 2016 due to unauthorised construction. The order was controversially revoked less than two months later, raising serious questions about the circumstances surrounding the decision. The building, originally allotted for residential use, was later found to have unauthorised commercial construction.
The Ayodhya Development Authority has issued a notice to the wife of a Ram temple donation theft accused for alleged unauthorised construction, as police intensify their investigation into the embezzlement case. Recoveries of cash, gold, silver, and a "Ramrajya Kosh" donation box have been made, and eight people have been arrested.
A senior official of the Bhiwandi Nizampur City Municipal Corporation, Surendra Bhaskar Bhoir, has been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 2.5 lakh. Bhoir, who also held the charge of assistant municipal commissioner, was caught red-handed after demanding Rs 5 lakh to overlook an unauthorised construction.
The Beed Municipal Council has issued notices regarding an unauthorised construction linked to Prahlad Kulkarni, a key accused in the NEET-UG paper leak case.
The Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) is initiating a sealing drive against unauthorised commercial establishments in South Delhi. This action follows recent incidents, including a deadly fire in Malviya Nagar and a building collapse near Saket, which exposed widespread violations of building bye-laws and licence conditions.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has issued notices to properties linked to TMC's Abhishek Banerjee, seeking building plans for scrutiny amid allegations of unauthorised construction.
The Delhi High Court has highlighted the need for a regulatory framework for the media, stating that freedom of the press cannot be a shield for irresponsible journalism or content that endangers public order. Justice Girish Kathpalia expressed concern over the unregulated nature of a significant section of the media, especially with the rise of social media, and stressed the importance of restraint, fairness, and responsibility. The court also criticised "self-styled reporters" for aggressive tactics and selective reporting that can deepen social divisions, while granting bail to two men accused of assaulting freelancers.
Civic authorities in Beed, Maharashtra, have ordered the demolition of an under-construction building allegedly linked to P V Kulkarni, the kingpin of the NEET paper leak case, due to violations of local construction regulations.
Justice Atul Sreedharan of the Allahabad High Court has made strong observations on systemic corruption in India, suggesting the death penalty for offences under the Prevention of Corruption Act. He criticised the alleged embezzlement of donations at the Ram temple and the Uttar Pradesh government's "bulldozer actions," highlighting the normalisation of corruption and the state's complicity in unauthorised constructions.
Following a fatal fire at Flourish Stay B&B in Malviya Nagar that killed 21, another property linked to the owner has been discovered, revealing a labyrinthine basement with cramped rooms, extensive wooden panelling, and severe fire safety concerns, including lack of ventilation and unauthorised construction.
The Supreme Court has issued a directive to the Bihar government, ordering the removal of all unauthorised structures and encroachments along the Ganga river banks between Nauzar Ghat and Nurpur Ghat in Patna within six weeks. The court expressed concern over illegal constructions and noted the lack of action despite previous orders, warning of strict views on any laxity. The directive came during the hearing of a plea against a National Green Tribunal order regarding encroachments on eco-fragile floodplains.
Following a building collapse in Delhi's Saket area that resulted in six fatalities, Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has pledged stringent measures against unauthorised constructions and the officials responsible. She has ordered surveys of unsafe buildings and assured support for the affected families.
The Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) has issued notices to properties linked to TMC's Abhishek Banerjee, seeking building plans for scrutiny amid allegations of unauthorised construction.
The Allahabad high court has delivered a split verdict on the controversial practice of "bulldozer justice," involving the punitive demolition of properties linked to accused persons. Two judges, Justice Atul Sreedharan and Justice Siddharth Nandan, expressed differing views on whether a stay on demolitions can be issued, leading the matter to be referred to the Chief Justice for a third judge's opinion.
An official working at the office of a tehsildar in Palghar district has been arrested by the Anti-Corruption Bureau for allegedly taking a bribe of Rs 7 lakh. A case has also been registered against an additional tehsildar who allegedly made the bribe demand and is absconding.
A special CBI court in Thane acquitted a former central government employee accused of accepting a bribe, citing insufficient proof of demand despite the recovery of currency notes.
Police in Thane have arrested the driver of a cement mixer truck involved in a collision with an overcrowded van, resulting in 11 fatalities. Authorities are urging the public to avoid travelling in unauthorised vehicles.
The Gujarat High Court dismissed a plea by Asaram's ashram in Ahmedabad, allowing the government to acquire land for sports infrastructure development ahead of the Commonwealth Games 2030.
Authorities in Shamli, Uttar Pradesh, have initiated demolition proceedings against the Mughal Banquet Hall in Kairana after it was found to be an unauthorised structure and allegedly served beef at a wedding reception. Four individuals, including the groom and hall owner, have been arrested in connection with the case, with a car also seized.
The Lucknow Development Authority has served a notice to the owner of the Aliganj building where a recent fire claimed 15 lives, citing alleged building bylaw violations and unauthorised commercial use. The LDA is also investigating its own officials for previously withdrawing a demolition order against the same property in 2016, while police have arrested four individuals in connection with the tragedy.
A three-storey commercial building collapsed near Saket Metro station in south Delhi, resulting in four fatalities. Rescue operations have concluded, and an inquiry into the cause of the collapse has been initiated.
We have built an economy that can deliver everything -- from iPhones to biryani -- to a doorstep in 10 minutes, but it cannot deliver a fire engine through a lane in 20, points out Amit Kapoor.
Newly-appointed Uttar Pradesh Congress in-charge Rajendra Pal Gautam on Wednesday hinted at an equal seat-sharing arrangement with the Samajwadi Party for the 2027 Uttar Pradesh assembly elections.
A fatal fire at a bed-and-breakfast in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, has revealed widespread allegations of safety and building norm violations in numerous local establishments. Locals and guests claim many guest houses operate illegally, exceeding licensed capacities and using unsafe basement accommodations, prompting calls for comprehensive safety audits and stricter enforcement.
The Delhi government has announced a comprehensive audit of the Narela and Bawana industrial areas, covering the period from 2011-12 to 2025-26. The audit, initiated by the DSIIDC, aims to identify financial irregularities, fund diversions, and their financial impact within these public-private partnership projects.
Authorities in southwest Delhi demolished illegal constructions allegedly linked to drug peddling in the Najafgarh area. The action was conducted in areas under Baba Haridas Nagar in Dwarka, where structures outside residential houses were being used for illegal sale and distribution of narcotics.
Haryana Transport Minister Anil Vij has ordered a state-wide investigation into alleged irregularities in vehicle registrations across multiple Sub-Divisional offices and Regional Transport Offices. The probe, led by the State Vigilance and Anti-Corruption Bureau, follows reports of fraudulent registrations in Ambala. Vij has also addressed issues such as uncovered construction vehicles and violations of the Stage Carriage Scheme.
A 48-year-old real estate agent has been arrested in Palghar, Maharashtra, for allegedly grabbing and illegally selling another person's land. The accused, Surendra Pratap Singh, faces multiple charges including cheating and criminal intimidation.
A builder in Dehradun has been booked under the Goonda Act and may be expelled from the district after allegedly assaulting a DRDO scientist who protested illegal construction.
A builder in Dehradun has been booked under the Goonda Act and may be expelled from the district after allegedly assaulting a DRDO scientist who protested against illegal construction.
An unauthorised borewell drilling incident in Mumbai led to a breach in the Aqua Line Metro tunnel, prompting a police complaint and highlighting the importance of adhering to construction guidelines near the Metro corridor.
The Supreme Court has directed the preparation and implementation of a time-bound eviction plan to address encroachments within the protected areas of the Agasthyamalai ecological landscape in Tamil Nadu, also ordering action against government servants involved.
The Centre had asked the Gymkhana Club in Lutyens' Delhi to hand over the premises, citing that the 27.3-acre plot was required for "strengthening and securing defence infrastructure".
The Supreme Court of India has issued a series of nationwide guidelines aimed at improving road safety on national highways, addressing issues such as illegal parking and accident blackspots.
A violent clash between two groups in Mumbai's Goregaon area during a religious procession resulted in injuries to Bajrang Dal members and the arrest of 10 individuals. The incident stemmed from a dispute over loud devotional songs, leading to a brawl with weapons. Authorities have initiated demolition of unauthorized homes allegedly belonging to some of the accused.
As we brace for unprecedented rates of urbanisation, it is crucial to ensure that illegal constructions and unauthorised land use are curbed, asserts Amit Kapoor.
Six persons were killed and eight others seriously injured after a portion of an unauthorised four-story building collapsed on an adjacent vacant building at Virar in Maharashtra's Palghar district, officials said.
The original owner of the land where the Goa nightclub fire occurred claims he had flagged illegalities and fought a legal battle for 20 years.
