High Court halts new constructions in Kharar till new master plan finalised
In a significant move to check “haphazard development” in Kharar, the Punjab and Haryana High Court has restrained all fresh or new construction in the area until a revised master plan is finalised after noting that the last notified plan dates back to May 25, 2010.
“In order to avoid any haphazard development in the area which is just adjacent to SAS Nagar, Mohali, any fresh/new construction activity henceforth shall not be permitted till the finalisation of the revised master plan,” Justice Harkesh Manuja further directed.
The direction came on a contempt plea filed by Omega Infra Estates Private Limited through counsel Alankar Narula against the alleged non-compliance of the court’s previous direction dated October 25, 2024.
Notably, the petitioner was seeking the initiation of proceedings under the Contempt of Courts Act and Article 215 of the Constitution after alleging willful disobedience by the authorities.
“The last master plan for Kharar was published on May 25, 2010, and since then haphazard construction activity at large scale is going on in and around the entire area without taking into consideration the providing of basic and necessary amenities to the residents.” Justice Manuja further asserted.
The case has its genesis in HC directions in October last year to the authorities concerned to dispose of the petitioner’s representation concerning finalising of Kharar’s revised master plan. The Bench, at the time hearing, had set eight-week deadline for the purpose. The delay, however, persisted, compelling the petitioner to approach the Court again.
The Bench quoted an earlier order referring to submissions made by the counsel for Kharar Municipal Council. Among other things, he had stated that a notice inviting tenders for consultancy service for formulation for “GIS based Existing Land Use Map-2025 (Part-1) and Property Survey (Part-2) for Kharar” had been floated.
Justice Manuja added the Bench, however, was now apprised through an affidavit filed by Kharar Municipal Council’s executive office that the “tender process turned futile and another effort would be made now.”
The matter is now listed for further hearing on May 27.
