SC stays further demolition at Chandigarh Club

After a massive demolition drive carried out at the Chandigarh Club, the Supreme Court has stayed further action at the club.

Disposing of a special leave petition filed by M/s Commando Caterers Pvt Ltd against the demolition of the alleged unauthorised construction at the club by the UT Administration, the apex court directed that both parties shall maintain status quo — neither further demolition shall be carried out nor the petitioner shall raise any construction at the site.

Similarly, the petitioner shall not utilise the existing allegedly illegal structure for any commercial purposes till appropriate orders are passed by the Appellate Authority, ordered the Supreme Court.

The UT Estate Office on Monday conducted a demolition drive at Chandigarh Club, Sector 1, to remove unauthorised constructions. Several illegal structures, including a kitchen and a toilet constructed beyond the zoning line, extension of the building at the right hand side with main building and connected with kitchen by providing passage, etc, were removed.

According to officials, six acres of land was allotted to the Club on a leasehold basis, but it had encroached upon five more acres of the government land and carried out commercial activities there.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court had on November 21 dismissed a writ petition filed by M/s Commando Caterers Pvt Ltd against the Chandigarh Administration’s order dated November 14 directing removal and dismantling of alleged building violations at the Chandigarh Club.