Lucknow: HC stays construction of heritage hotel in posh locality
What's the story
In a jolt to Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav's plans to build a heritage hotel in Lucknow's posh Vikramaditya Marg, the Allahabad HC's Lucknow bench put a stay on further construction on three plots owned by either SP, Janeshwar Mishra Trust, or the Yadav family.
A bench of Justices Vikram Nath and Abdul Moin passed the order on lawyer Shishir Chaturvedi's public interest litigation.
Notices
Notices issued to SP, Akhilesh, Mulayam and others
The court directed the top authorities to photograph, within 24 hours, whether illegal constructions were going on these plots and furnish the report on the next date of hearing on September 5.
It also issued notices to Samajwadi Party, Akhilesh Yadav, his wife Dimple Yadav, SP supremo Mulayam Singh Yadav and the Janeshwar Mishra Trust and sought for their response by September 5.
Petition
Petitioner seeks quashing of orders permitting construction
Chaturvedi questioned constructions on the three plots and sought quashing of the orders whereby the Yadav family, Samajwadi Party, and Janeshwar Mishra Trust got permission for the same.
Considering the very nature of public interest in the matter and the fact that such PILs are often withdrawn for different reasons, the court discharged the petitioner and decided to take up the petition suo motu.
Information
Security to petitioner to be provided
On a complaint of receiving threats after filing the petition, the court had also directed the Principal Secretary (home) and UP DGP to provide security to petitioner Chaturvedi, his family, and the properties if so required.
Reports
VIP-zone caters to residences of CM, CS, other top officials
The court noted that media reports of "High Security Zone/VIP Zone in and around Kalidas Marg, Vikramaditya Marg, and Gautampalli" being compromised due to illegal construction activities are being repeatedly published.
"If such activities are permitted in this zone...it cannot be said that it would be safe and secure nor would the life of the residents of the area be peaceful," it observed.
Quote
What else did the court say?
"Land use of certain bungalows is being changed for vested interests and to set up party office/s. Party leaders are requesting to build hotels in the said VIP zone and some multi-story building is coming up against the permitted height of constructions," the court said.