Bombay High Court Upholds Eviction Orders in Nalasopara

In a significant ruling, the Bombay High Court has decided not to intervene in the eviction of hundreds of families living in 41 illegal buildings in Nalasopara, allowing the Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) to proceed with its demolition plans. The court emphasized that the eviction deadline remains set for October 30.

 Court's Rationale

A division bench comprising Justice Sonak and Justice Khata noted that the petition challenging the eviction had been pending since 2022. The judges pointed out that the builders should have approached the court sooner if they wished to contest the demolition orders. The illegal structures, located in Agarwal Nagar, have already been earmarked for demolition by the Bombay High Court.

 Builders' Arguments

Arun Gupta, a builder involved in the land's development, filed a petition in June opposing the demolition. He argued that over 5,000 residents had long occupied the land and that this was known to the VVMC Commissioner. Gupta claimed that the inhabitants were seeking to regularize their unauthorized constructions.

Gupta is the son of Sitaram Gupta, a former corporator with the Bahujan Vikas Aghadi party, who was recently arrested for forgery and cheating in connection with land-grabbing allegations.

 Land Ownership Disputes

In his petition, Arun Gupta asserted ownership of 21 acres of land in Achole, referred to as Vijaylaxmi Colony. He claimed to have received development rights from individuals who purported to be the landowners. The petition alleged that the actual landowners are non-resident Indians and accused Ajay Sharma of misusing a power of attorney associated with the property.

Gupta stated that he had maintained "absolute possession" of the land since 1999 and began construction in 2008, with properties transferred to various occupants before 2010. He also noted that he had filed applications with the VVMC as early as 2011.

 Next Steps

With the court's decision, the VVMC is now poised to carry out the evictions as scheduled, raising concerns for the families affected by this ruling. As the eviction deadline approaches, many residents are left to contemplate their uncertain futures amid the ongoing legal disputes surrounding the land.