Lucknow, April 8 -- In Meerut, the Supreme Court on Tuesday directed the immediate sealing of 44 properties after finding that residential plots had been illegally converted into commercial establishments, including schools and hospitals, many of which were operating without approved building plans or basic fire safety measures.
A bench of Justices J.B. Pardiwala and K.V. Viswanathan expressed strong disapproval of the conduct of former Meerut Divisional Commissioner Rishikesh Bhaskar Yashod. The officer had earlier issued an order halting demolitions in the Central Market area, citing public opposition and a proposed amendment to grant market street status.
The bench questioned the authority under which such an order was passed, noting...