Unauthorised commercial activity that has thrived for years under the cover of residential neighbourhoods in Jaipur is finally facing real pressure. The strict stand the Supreme Court took on March 25 against illegal construction and unlawful commercialisation is now visibly playing out on the ground, with municipal bodies across the country springing into action. In this chain of events, the Jaipur Development Authority, or JDA, has taken its first concrete step by issuing a notice that has rattled illegal shopkeepers and traders across the city.
Notice served on a Bhankrota property
On July 13, the JDA served a notice on a property in the Bhankrota area. The action rests on provisions of the Jaipur Development Authority Act, 1982, invoking Sections 32(1) and 32(6). The property named in the notice was operating as a beauty lounge, even though the land is set aside entirely for residential use. The authority has warned the operators in clear terms that if the violation is not corrected within the stipulated period, it will take strict legal action against them.
An old land battle in Chimanpura village
The notice appears linked to a long-running land dispute in Chimanpura village in Bhankrota. A company called Rajdarbar Pinkcity Developments Private Limited had earlier filed a complaint alleging that land set aside for a residential township had been illegally taken over for multiple commercial establishments, including a resort, a furniture shop, a boutique, a salon, eateries and clothing stores. The company alleged that despite directions from the JDA's appellate tribunal and the Rajasthan High Court, the local administration failed to take any concrete action, leaving the matter unresolved.
Supreme Court's sharp rebuke
Having found no relief from the High Court or the tribunal, the company eventually approached the Supreme Court. During a hearing on May 20, the top court expressed strong displeasure with the affidavits filed by several states. The court observed that officials were merely drawing up lists of violations on paper while no action was visible on the ground. It cautioned officials against treating the exercise as a mere formality and directed them to take concrete steps such as sealing or demolition and submit a report on the same.
Will bulldozers roll now?
Amid the Supreme Court's continued scrutiny and firm stance, the JDA's latest notice is being viewed as the first major enforcement action in the city. Attention now turns to whether the JDA will go beyond notices to actually seal or bulldoze establishments where illegal commercial activity has persisted despite repeated warnings.
