Jaipur: In a ruling aimed at combating encroachments, the Rajasthan High Court has mandated authorities to address the issue of encroachments across major roads in Jaipur, extending beyond just the Sirsi Road. The court has granted the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) six weeks to act against encroachments along this vital thoroughfare while also directing a comprehensive survey of other state and national highways leading into the city.The directive was issued during a hearing on March 28, presided over by a division bench consisting of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Shubha Mehta. The court was deliberating on a writ petition and a related contempt case concerning the JDA’s handling of encroachments. During the proceedings, JDA’s counsel, Amit Kudi, informed the bench of ongoing efforts to clear encroachments on Sirsi Road, which plays a crucial role in traffic flow into Jaipur. Kudi requested additional time for the authority to complete its work, highlighting that an affidavit had been submitted in compliance with the court’s earlier directive dated March 5. The bench granted the extension but firmly reiterated that all actions must adhere strictly to legal protocols. To ensure fairness, the court ordered the JDA to issue notices under Section 72 of the authority’s 1982 Act, ensuring those affected have an opportunity for a hearing before any removal decisions are made. Nevertheless, it emphasised that once encroachments have been legally identified, they must be removed promptly and without hesitation. The bench clarified that where notices have been issued under the Act, no civil court or JDA tribunal shall intervene, as the matter is under active consideration of the high court. The JDA is now mandated to provide a detailed compliance report by May 13, outlining the measures taken to eliminate encroachments and ensure public roads remain accessible and lawful.
