PRAYAGRAJ, June 16 -- The Allahabad high court has directed the Varanasi's municipal commissioner and other respondent authorities concerned to maintain status quo with regard to three premises in question in Dalmandi area of Varanasi and not to carry out any demolition drive in pursuance of the notice dated May 25. The court further directed the authorities concerned to file a counter affidavit in the case. The demolition drive in the Dalmandi area of Varanasi primarily aims to widen the road to the Kashi Vishwanath temple. This project is part of a broader initiative to improve access to the temple and enhance the surrounding infrastructure. The drive involves demolishing structures deemed unsafe or unauthorised, with the aim of reclaiming encroached land and ensuring better access for visitors and residents. The bench comprising of Justice Salil Kumar Rai and Justice Swarupama Chaturvedi passed the order in petitions filed by Alimun Nisha, Rashid Zafar and Zul Karnain challenging the demolition notice dated May 25 issued by zonal officer/assistant municipal commissioner, Nagar Nigam, Varanasi under section 331 of Uttar Pradesh Municipal Corporation Act, 1959. According to the petitioners, no final orders have yet been passed or served on the petitioner on the earlier objections filed by the petitioner to the notice issued under Section 331 of the Act, 1959. Therefore, in view of the aforesaid, the notice to demolish the premises of the petitioners was illegal, contended the counsel for the petitioners. The court in its order dated June 12 observed, "Meanwhile parties shall maintain status-quo regarding premises which is subject matter of the notice dated May 26, 2026 and the respondents are restrained from carrying out demolition in pursuance to notice dated May 26, 2026". The court directed to list the case on July 20 for the further hearing. Section 331 of the Act empowers the Municipal Commissioner to order the demolition, repair, or securing of any structure or building that is in a ruinous condition, likely to collapse, or poses a danger to the public....