Jharkhand High Court Orders Probe into 1257 Unauthorized Structures in Jamshedpur

Bench Expresses Alarm Over Extent of Deviation; Special Officer Instructed to Launch Comprehensive Investigation

The Jharkhand High Court has mandated a meticulous inquiry into 1257 unauthorized structures in Jamshedpur during the proceedings of PIL 2078/2018. The court conveyed grave concern over the extent of deviation from the Jamshedpur NAC.

RANCHI – The Jharkhand High Court has issued a directive for a rigorous inquiry into 1257 unauthorized structures in Jamshedpur.

The proceedings are scheduled to resume on June 27, with the court pledging to provide suitable directives following additional hearings.

The court, headed by Justice Rangan Mukhopadhyay and Justice Deepak Roshan, conveyed grave concern over the extent of deviation from the Jamshedpur NAC during the proceedings of PIL 2078/2018.

Encouraging transparency, the court requested the involved parties to disclose any unscrupulous interference during the proceedings.

The petitioner’s advocate underscored the necessity for a holistic approach to tackle the underlying factors contributing to deviation, prompting the court to solicit a distinct affidavit.

Dubious of the Commissioner’s claim that the 2011 list of deviations was conclusive, the court instructed the Special Officer to launch a comprehensive investigation into all structures deviating from the map.

The court stressed the urgency for prompt action and enhancements, cautioning against mere issuance of notices without concrete measures.

The petitioner’s advocate presented proof, including RTI documents, disclosing that the JNAC had served show cause notices to 535 unauthorized structures by August 2017.

Responding to the court’s inquiries, the Commissioner stated that 46 structures had been identified for deviation, with basement parking in 31 of them already vacated.

This development highlights the judiciary’s dedication to safeguarding public interest and ensuring responsibility in urban development matters.