Nagpur: In a strongly worded order, the Nagpur Bench of the Bombay High Court has come down heavily on authorities for blatant non-compliance of its earlier directions regarding illegal constructions on a 24-metre DP road in Nirmal Ujjwal Society.
Hearing a contempt petition filed by petitioner Pranali Puttewar, the Division Bench of Justices Anil Pansare and Nivedita Mehta issued contempt notices to the Municipal Commissioner of Nagpur Municipal Corporation and society head Pramod Manmode, questioning why action should not be initiated against them under the Contempt of Courts Act, 1971.
Court slams 10-month inaction
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Mar 25,2026 - Time 11.05Hrs
The Court expressed serious displeasure, noting that despite its clear order dated April 29, 2025, directing removal of a sewage treatment plant and transformer from the DP road, no concrete steps have been taken even after nearly 10 months.
The Bench observed that authorities woke up only after the contempt petition was filed, exposing a casual and unacceptable approach toward judicial orders.
“Courts being taken lightly”
In sharp remarks, the Court said that such conduct reflects a disturbing trend where court orders are ignored until contempt proceedings are initiated. It further noted that no attempt was made by the respondents to seek an extension of time from the Court, and instead, excuses are now being manufactured to evade responsibility. The Bench warned that such leniency in the past has sent a wrong signal that disobedience carries no consequences.
“The time has come to send a clear message that any defiance of court orders will be dealt with seriously,” the Court asserted.
Technical excuses rejected
During the hearing, the respondents argued that the power sub-station housed multiple operational electrical systems, making its removal difficult, and hence status quo was maintained.
Rejecting this outright, the Court held that administrative or technical difficulties cannot override the rule of law. It cautioned that tolerating illegal structures on public roads would set a dangerous precedent, effectively encouraging builders to violate norms with impunity.
The Court also indicated that the role of Maharashtra State Electricity Distribution Company Limited (MSEDCL) would be examined at a later stage.
With contempt notices now issued, the officials concerned must respond and justify why penal action should not be taken against them for willful disobedience of court orders.
