Rule of law prevails or rule of muscle power? asks HC on plea over illegal constructions

Does the rule of law or rule of muscle power prevail in the state, the Bombay High Court has asked while slamming the government's city planning agency CIDCO for failing to act against illegal structures on a land plot in Navi Mumbai.

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MUMBAI:

A division bench of Justices A S Gadkari and Kamal in the order passed earlier this month said the City and Industrial Development Corporation (CIDCO) authorities were not desirous of taking stringent action against unauthorised constructions.

The CIDCO informed the court that when they had tried to initiate legal action against the illegal structures, they were threatened by the sarpanch of Bokadvira village. The bench then said that officers while performing their lawful duties are entitled to get sufficient police protection, and it was the duty of the authorities to prevent illegalities and establish rule of law.