Pass fresh order on illegal structures at Chandigarh Club, UT told

The Punjab and Haryana High Court has directed the UT Administration to give one-week time to Commando Caterers working at the Chandigarh Club to file a reply to the notices of building violations issued by the Estate Officer. Also, the court has asked the administration to pass a fresh order on the structure after receiving the reply.

The court has further directed the administration to hear the grievances of the petitioner and other parties on October 31 and pass the speaking order after receiving the reply in a week.

Meanwhile, the administration will withdraw the order issued by the Estate Office for the demolition of an illegal structure on the club premises.

The court passed the order on a petition filed by the M/s Commando Caterers Private Limited against the demolition order dated September 30 of the Estate Office. The petitioner alleged that the order was passed without issuing any show-cause notice and the demolition of the legally permissible, temporary structure erected by the petitioner with due permissions had been ordered without giving any opportunity of hearing.

Sartej Narula, senior advocate appearing for the caterers, said actions of the respondent threatened the right to livelihood of the petitioner as the very structure used by them to conduct its business was sought to be demolished illegally by the authorities without even giving an opportunity of being heard or serving any kind of notice at any stage before the passing of the impugned order.

The action has been taken on an alleged show-cause notice of 2003 whereas the petitioner was granted a licence to operate in the club only in 2007. He sought 15 days for filing a reply.

Amit Jhanji, senior standing counsel appearing for the administration, said the petitioner and others had encroached upon the land meant for the tennis courts to carry out commercial activities there. Senior counsel Anand Chibbar assisted by counsel Ranjan Lohan appeared for the Chandigarh Club.