No law followed in construction of some Kasauli hotels, says SC

New Delhi, June 28

No law has been followed in the construction of some resorts and hotels in the picturesque town of Kasauli in Himachal Pradesh and officials have “colluded” in the illegalities, the Supreme Court observed today.

It said some resorts and hotels had constructed seven-storeyed buildings whereas they were permitted to build only three. “No law has been followed. Officials have completely colluded. Give respect to law,” a Vacation Bench of Justices AM Sapre and SK Kaul observed.

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The court was hearing separate pleas of some of the Kasauli-based resorts that had sought a stay on a National Green Tribunal (NGT) order directing demolition of several properties that were extended illegally without requisite approvals.

The Bench said even an eight-storeyed building was under construction there.

When the counsel representing a hotel said there were some overlapping facts in the NGT judgment and no illegal construction was going on, the Bench said, “You know better than us about what is going on there.”

Meanwhile, the Bench issued notice on the plea filed by AAA Guest House and stayed the operation of NGT’s May 30 order.

On the pleas by Hotel Pine View and Neelgiri Hotel, the Bench issued notices but did not grant any stay on the NGT order. 

It fixed all matters for hearing on July 11. — PTI