TEAM HERALD
teamherald@herald-goa.com
PANJIM: Finding that there was non-compliance to its earlier order by various States and Union Territories including Goa, the Supreme Court has in a recent order directed all the chief secretaries to file a fresh affidavit on the position of all unauthorised structures ~ including unauthorised religious structures ~ in their respective States. The Goa Chief Secretary too has been so directed.
These unauthorized structures could be on public roads, pavements, sideways and other public utility places “as existing on June 30, 2013.” The Apex Court wants to know what steps have been taken as on June 30 for the removal of these structures.
“We find that States and Union Territories have not submitted the reports in compliance of the order dated January 18, 2013,” the Court observed in its order. “Besides, the latest position concerning removal, relocation and regularisation of unauthorised religious structures on public land is also not available before this Court,” the order reads.
All states and UTs except those which have been exempted by order dated July 27, 2010 have been directed to file their affidavit by August 19. Only Madhya Pradesh, Kerala, Punjab and Rajasthan have already filed their affidavits, according to their counsels, but the Court directed that even they file fresh affidavits to indicate the position as on June 30, 2013.
On January 18, 2013 all the State Governments and Union Territories were directed not to grant any permission for installation of any statue or construction of any structure on public roads, pavements, sideways except for the installation of high mast lights, street lights or electrification, traffic, toll or for development and beautification of streets, highways or roads.
The court also wanted all other States and Union Territories to take steps in framing appropriate policy or rules for the removal and or relocation of unauthorized religious structures on public land, if not done so far.
Arunachal Pradesh, Sikkim, Mizoram, Nagaland, and Union Territory of Lakshadweep have been exempted.
