Jharkhand HC defers JNAC illegal construction case as SC stay continues

Jamshedpur, March 9: The Jharkhand High Court on Monday deferred the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL) concerning alleged illegal constructions under the Jamshedpur Notified Area Committee (JNAC), noting that the matter is currently pending before the Supreme Court.

The case was heard by a division bench comprising Chief Justice M. S. Sonak and Justice Rajesh Shankar.

As the Supreme Court has already stayed the demolition of the buildings in question, the High Court refrained from issuing any fresh directions and scheduled the next hearing after four weeks.

Demolition order had sparked concern

The case involves around 24 multi-storey buildings located in prominent commercial and residential areas of Jamshedpur, including Sakchi, Kadma and Bistupur.

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Earlier in January, the High Court had taken a strict view and ordered the demolition of these structures over alleged deviations from approved building plans and violations of municipal regulations.

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The directive had triggered concern among property owners, residents and business establishments in the affected localities.

Supreme Court stay halts action

Following the High Court’s demolition order, the affected parties approached the Supreme Court of India, which granted interim relief by staying the demolition proceedings.

The stay effectively halted any immediate action against the buildings.

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During Monday’s hearing, counsel for the petitioners, Advocate Vijay Kumar Roy, informed the High Court that the Supreme Court’s stay remains in force, making any demolition or punitive action legally untenable at this stage.

Accepting the submission, the High Court adjourned the matter.

The future of the disputed buildings will now depend on the final verdict of the Supreme Court.