GURUGRAM: The Punjab and Haryana high court on Thursday ordered officials to proceed against more than 4,500 properties in DLF 1-5 for carrying out illegal construction and business operations in residential zones.
The bench, comprising Justices Sureshwar Thakur and Vikas Suri, issued a verdict, directing the district administration and DTCP to implement measures within two months and submit an action-taken report by April 19, 2025. The decision raised concerns as many property owners are likely to face action against illegal extensions and businesses.
The case originated from a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by DLF City Residents Welfare Association (RWA) in 2021, highlighting rampant unauthorised constructions in the upscale township. The petitioners alleged that numerous residential properties were converted into commercial establishments, violating building regulations and putting excessive pressure on the existing civic infrastructure.
Key areas that came under scrutiny include Golf Course Road, MG Road and internal roads within DLF 1-5, where hundreds of residential buildings were transformed into commercial showrooms, automobile dealerships and other business outlets. The court observed that such violations will strain essential utilities like water supply, sewage and electricity.
Violations are particularly severe in the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) housing across DLF 3, 4, and 5. According to officials, over 2,700 EWS housing units underwent extensive unauthorised modifications, with some buildings expanded up to six or eight floors. The lack of proper planning and excessive load on infrastructure resulted in frequent power outages, water shortage and drainage problems, affecting the overall quality of life in these areas.
In a major development, the high court has also restricted local courts from intervening in these cases. The court ruled that under Section 15 of the Haryana Urban Development Act, civil courts do not have jurisdiction over actions taken by DTCP. This effectively means that property owners facing action cannot seek relief through local courts, limiting their legal options.
The high court also directed that any ongoing cases in civil courts over these unauthorised constructions be resolved within two months.
Meanwhile, the authorities began assessing properties to enforce the court’s orders. DTCP is expected to issue notices and take swift action against violators. Officials warned that no unauthorised structure will be spared, and those failing to comply with regulations will face severe consequences, including criminal proceedings.
District town planner (enforcement) Amit Madholia said, “Action will be taken against illegal and unauthorised constructions in residential areas of DLF phases as per the law. Show-cause notices have already been issued and subsequently, restoration orders will be passed and thereafter further action, including sealing and demolition will be taken.”
He further said all the show-cause notices were served through registered post and the same was also pasted on the properties in order to give a fair chance to the owners to fix their violations by themselves.
During a hearing last month, additional advocate general Ankur Mittal — representing the town and country planning department — had highlighted enforcement challenges. According to him, many property owners moved local courts after receiving demolition notices from the govt, affecting enforcement as a whole. He also informed the court that DLF areas alone had 227 pending cases in local courts, with stays granted in 167 instances.
During the hearing on Jan 10, the govt referred to a recent survey conducted by DTCP, highlighting that 4,183 residential properties in DLF areas were identified for illegal constructions and carrying out commercial activities. According to the report, 83% of these violations were found in economically weaker section (EWS) category plots, measuring 60 square yards each.
