Lucknow/New Delhi, August 25 (TNA) The Supreme Court has refused to interfere with the Allahabad High Court’s order directing demolition of around 72 allegedly illegal lawyers’ chambers near the Lucknow District Court, observing that unauthorised constructions cannot be protected simply because they are occupied by lawyers. The court’s ruling has cleared the way for action against chambers built on alleged encroachments over public pathways and utility land.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Sandeep Mehta declined to grant relief in the petition challenging the high court’s demolition direction. The judges reportedly made it clear that public land and court premises cannot be allowed to remain encroached upon, and even rejected suggestions for mediation or alternate accommodation.
The matter stems from the Allahabad High Court’s August 6 order, which asked the Lucknow Municipal Corporation to issue notices to 72 alleged encroachers, mostly advocates, and either have them remove the chambers or prove lawful ownership. Failing that, the high court had directed the civic body to demolish the structures.
According to reports, the chambers were allegedly built on public pathways or public utility land near the Lucknow District Court complex, obstructing roads and public movement. The top court also took note of the broader issue of encroachment around court premises and emphasised the need to protect such spaces.
The demolition exercise was originally suggested to be carried out on a Sunday to avoid disruption to judicial work. With the Supreme Court declining to interfere, the case is now expected to move forward at the local administrative level.