Pune: Bungalows, business units along HEMRL compound wall in Pashan illegal – High Court

Pune: The Bombay High Court has ruled that the constructions along the compound wall of the High Energy Materials Research Laboratory (HEMRL) in Pashan are illegal. It ruled that the civic body’s action against them is justified. The court dismissed the petition filed by the affected property owners.

Moreover, the HC imposed a fine of Rs 1 lakh each on them as a compensation to the civic administration for furnishing wrong information to the court. It directed the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to spend this money on NGOs.

Around 14 bungalows have been built within 100 m of the HEMRL compound wall. Some business units are also operating out of tin sheds at a distance of 350 m from the boundary wall. The PMC acted against four such bungalows two years ago. It also razed over 10 illegal business units. The action was taken as per the new building development regulations (UDPCR).

Meanwhile, the affected bungalow owners filed the petition in the court. They submitted some proof of their bungalows being legal.

The HC gave its verdict on Friday. The court dismissed the petition on the grounds of furnishing false information. Upholding the action taken by the PMC under the UDCPR, it directed the petitioners to pay a compensation of Rs 1 lakh each to the PMC. The court directed the civic chief to utilize the amount for NGOs. This was revealed by PMC Legal Officer Nisha Chavan. Adv Abhijit Kulkarni and Adv Hrishikesh Pethe argued on behalf of the civic body.

QUOTE

The HC has ruled that the constructions along the HEMRL boundary wall are illegal. It has been observed that some of the razed constructions have been rebuilt. There are 14 bungalows and 40 business sheds. The civic body will soon act against the illegal constructions.

– Sunil Kadam, Deputy Engineer, Building Department, PMC