Thane Illegal Construction: Bombay HC Raps Civic Officials.

Unmesh Gujarathi
Sprouts News Exclusive
Contact: +91 9322755098

The Bombay High Court has slammed Thane Municipal Corporation over rampant illegal constructions allegedly backed by civic officials. The court ordered immediate inspections, strict action, and a judicial probe into officer misconduct. Innocent homebuyers remain vulnerable as unauthorized structures rise unchecked. Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) continues exposing this corruption nexus.

The rampant rise of unauthorized constructions in Thane has triggered serious judicial intervention, with the Bombay High Court pulling up the Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) for its inaction. The court, taking strong cognizance, warned TMC officials to initiate immediate action against illegal structures or face demolition orders through alternate authorities.

In recent years, Thane has witnessed an alarming surge in illegal constructions, allegedly thriving under the silent support of municipal officials. Subhadra Takle, a landowner, approached the Bombay High Court after 17 unauthorized structures were erected on her 5.5-acre property. The case was heard by a division bench comprising Justice Girish Kulkarni and Justice Arif Doctor. Upon learning that these constructions mushroomed with municipal blessings, the court came down heavily on the civic body.

The High Court directed the court registry to appoint a competent officer for on-site inspection, including photographic and video documentation of these illegal structures. Importantly, the Thane Municipal Commissioner was ordered to be physically present during the inspection.

The court further mandated that the expenses for the inspection be borne by the Thane Municipal Corporation and that police protection be provided to the appointed officer. The High Court instructed submission of a detailed report by June 19. In parallel, the Principal District Judge of Thane has been tasked to appoint a senior judicial officer to conduct an inquiry into the involvement of municipal officials responsible for these unauthorized constructions. The investigation report is to be submitted within six weeks.

The Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) notes that such unchecked illegal developments often lead to widespread fraud, especially targeting innocent homebuyers. Buyers unknowingly purchase flats in unauthorized buildings, risking both their financial security and personal safety. Moreover, there is no legal assurance about the structural integrity or legality of such properties, further endangering residents.

•“The situation is so alarming that it is difficult to believe the rule of law exists concerning illegal constructions. TMC appears completely unaware of what is happening under its nose.”

•The Thane Municipal Commissioner has been directed to conduct a comprehensive survey of all illegal constructions, particularly in rapidly developing zones and green belts.

•Should municipal authorities fail to act, the court warned that demolitions will proceed under other statutory provisions and authorities.

•The court is also contemplating disciplinary action against culpable municipal officers.

•The TMC was instructed not to wait for further court orders before taking action on unauthorized structures.

•The bench warned that if such encroachments persist, it would closely examine whether TMC is truly functioning within the boundaries of the law.

The Sprouts News Investigation Team (SIT) has been actively tracking the unchecked nexus between builders, municipal officers, and local political influences fueling Thane’s illegal construction racket. This case adds to a growing list of scandals exposing systemic corruption and regulatory failure in Maharashtra’s urban governance.