Gurugram

The Supreme Court of India has issued notices on a contempt petition alleging non-compliance with its December 2024 ruling on illegal constructions, drawing fresh attention to enforcement issues in urban planning norms, especially in Gurugram.

A bench comprising Justice J B Pardiwala and Justice Vijay Bishnoi condoned the delay in filing the petition and directed the respondents to submit their replies by May 17. The court also exempted the alleged contemnors from personal appearance for the time being.

The petition was filed by Rajdarbar Iconic Venture Pvt Ltd and names senior Haryana officials, including the chief secretary, town planning authorities, municipal officers, power utility executives, and certain private individuals. It accuses them of wilful disobedience of the apex court’s December 17, 2024 judgment.

The dispute centres on a 1.39-acre land parcel in Chakkarpur village, where the petitioner alleges illegal encroachments and the construction of a shopping complex without required approvals.

According to the plea, civic amenities such as electricity, water, and sewerage continue to be provided to the allegedly unauthorised structure despite earlier court directions barring such services. The petitioner claims this has enabled continued violations.

The December 2024 judgment had introduced nationwide measures to check unauthorised constructions, including mandatory completion and occupation certificates before utility connections, denial of trade licences to illegal buildings, and accountability of officials granting wrongful approvals. It had also warned that violations could invite contempt proceedings.

The company stated that repeated representations were made to Haryana authorities between December 2024 and January 2025 seeking enforcement of the ruling and disconnection of services, but no action followed, leading to the present petition.

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Legal observers say the case could have wider implications for governance in rapidly expanding urban centres like Gurugram, where encroachments and unauthorised construction remain recurring concerns.