Kantaprasad
D. Patel Vs. Municipal Corporation of Greater Bombay & Ors [1996] INSC 544
(15 April 1996)
Ramaswamy,
K.Ramaswamy, K.G.B. Pattanaik (J)
CITATION:
JT 1996 (5) 370 1996 SCALE (4)196
ACT:
HEAD NOTE:
O R D
E R
Leave
granted.
We
have heard learned counsel on both sides.
This
appeal by special leave arises from the order of the Division Bench of the High
Court of Bombay in Appeal No.565/92 made on march 3, 1995. The admitted facts
are that the appellant claimed to have purchased the disputed site from one
A.M. Patil in 1965 and constructed sheds thereon.
He
also alleged to have had a lease from him. On that basis, he claimed that the
structure was existing prior to April 1, 1992. The respondents issued notice to the appellant for
demolition. The Deputy Municipal Commissioner initially by order dated January 27, 1983 directed him to retain a shed
admeasuring 30" x 30" but other structures were directed to be
demolished. After 5 years, notice was issued to the appellant to demolish that
shed. Calling the same in question, the appellant filed the writ petition. In
Writ Petition No.1375/88, the learned single Judge had held that the exercise
of the power of review should be made bona fide within a reasonable time. After
considerable lapse of time, power of review cannot be exercised. The Division
Bench has set aside the order holding that there is no evidence on record to
show that the appellant had constructed the above structure prior to April 1, 1962. Under those circumstances, the
appellant could not be permitted to retain the structure which was illegally constructed.,
It is sought to be contended for the appellant that the Additional Commissioner
has no power to review the order passed by a subordinate officer on January 27, 1983 in the impugned order and,
therefore, it is one of nullity. We find no force in the contention. It must he
established as a fact that the appellant has title to the property and
construction was made bona fide in compliance of lawful permission or prior to
April 1, 1962. It is an admitted fact that even the lease deed does not contain
any recital as regards the existence of any structure. Learned counsel sought
to reply upon an order passed by the civil Court and also the affidavit of the lessor
filed in 1966 to show the existence of the shed. It would be obvious that the
shed was constructed after April 1, 1962
as found by the High Court.
Under
those circumstances, the authority was rightly justified in exercising that
power. We do not find any illegality in the order warranting interference.
The
appeal is accordingly dismissed. No costs.
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