Meenakshi Shukla
On 18th June 2025, the Supreme Court of India refused to grant relief to 17 illegal buildings in Thane marked for demolition. A Division bench of Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice Manmohan upheld the Bombay High Court’s order directing their removal. These buildings were constructed without permission on private land reserved as green zones, violating planning, environmental, and municipal laws.
The Court was categorical in its observation that the constructions were “completely illegal.” The bench said, “There is no equity in favour of such persons who have misused the process.” The petitioners included flat buyers and developers, who sought protection from demolition. However, the Court firmly stated, “We see no reason to exercise our jurisdiction under Article 136 of the Constitution.” It added that “public interest and rule of law” must override any individual hardship caused.
Justice Manmohan praised the Bombay High Court’s action and remarked, “Kudos to the High Court for taking the right decision.” He emphasised that the buildings were constructed on someone else’s land without any sanction, and there is no rule of law. He further observed, “Please see, these are persons with underworld connections,” highlighting the criminal nexus behind the constructions.
The Court was unmoved by the argument that over 400 families would lose their homes. It noted that most buyers failed to verify the legal status of their flats before purchasing. The bench said, “Allowing such constructions to remain will send a dangerous signal.” It rejected claims based on humanitarian grounds and reinforced that illegalities cannot be rewarded with regularisation.
Justice Manmohan issued a strong warning by stating, “Next, your Mumbai will get encroached. That’s all that remains to be done.” The judges dismissed the idea that violations can be tolerated just because large numbers of people are involved. “This court cannot be a party to such illegality,” the bench stated.
Previously, the Bombay High Court had passed an order on 12th June 2025, authorising the Thane Municipal Corporation to carry out the demolition without waiting for further approvals. It also ordered an inquiry into the role of municipal officials in facilitating the illegal development. The High Court stressed the importance of protecting green zones from systematic encroachments.
Multiple reports confirm that these illegal buildings were part of a real estate racket with underworld connections. Builders allegedly used muscle power and political influence to sidestep the law. The apex court took serious note of this, saying, “Law cannot be bent to favour wrongdoers.”
Authorities have now started preparing to execute the demolition with the help of local police. Residents are protesting, but the courts have made it clear that emotions cannot trump legality. Activists and urban planners have welcomed the decision, calling it a landmark moment in India’s battle against illegal constructions.
The judgment is likely to serve as a precedent for similar cases across Maharashtra and other urban areas. It sends a powerful message to both builders and buyers. The Supreme Court has reinforced the principle that any structure built in violation of law will face consequences, no matter how many families are involved or how much time has passed.
Case Details: Danish Zaheer Siddiqui v. State of Maharashtra
Bench: Justices Ujjal Bhuyan and Justice Manmohan
Case Details: Diary No. 33024/2025
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