First pay demolition cost, then argue: HC to N Kumar The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court dismissed a developer’s plea to challenge demolition orders for illegal constructions at Poonam Chambers and Poonam Tower, citing non-compliance with financial obligations. Developer N Kumar was directed to deposit ₹41.37 lakh with the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) to cover demolition costs, but the court refused to entertain his submissions after he failed to make even the initial deposit of ₹9 lakh. Justice Urmila Phalke Joshi and Justice Nivedita Mehta expressed frustration over Kumar’s repeated disregard for the court’s directives, emphasizing that financial responsibility must be fulfilled before legal arguments could proceed. The dispute originated from Kumar’s petition challenging notices issued by the NMC for unauthorized structures in the two buildings. During the hearing, the NMC informed the court that demolition at Poonam Tower had already been completed, while work on Poonam Chambers was ongoing and nearing completion. The court’s order underscored the urgency of resolving financial obligations, stating that the developer’s failure to comply with the demolition costs would hinder the legal process. The bench also criticized Kumar’s legal representation, noting that he had been instructed to appear in person or engage a qualified advocate. Instead, Kumar continued to be represented by a chartered accountant, Abhiruchi Agrawal, which drew further scrutiny from the judges. The court’s remarks highlighted the importance of adhering to procedural norms, particularly in cases involving public infrastructure and compliance with municipal regulations.#bombay_high_court #nagpur_bench #nagpur_municipal_corporation #n_kumar #poonam_chambers
Bear Demolition Cost at Poonam Chambers: High Court Orders N Kumar to Bear Expenses The Nagpur bench of the Bombay High Court on Monday directed petitioner N Kumar to bear the cost of demolishing unauthorized constructions at Poonam Chambers. The court ordered that the amount be deposited with the Nagpur Municipal Corporation (NMC) within two weeks after the submission of a detailed estimate. This directive came during the hearing of a petition filed by N Kumar regarding alleged illegal constructions at Poonam Chambers and Poonam Towers. The matter was heard by a division bench comprising Justices Anil Pansare and Nivedita Mehta, who adjourned the hearing until March 30. The court was informed that the NMC had already begun demolition work in compliance with earlier court orders. The bench instructed NMC officials to complete the demolition and provide a detailed estimate of the expenditure to the court and the petitioner. During the proceedings, chartered accountant Abhiruchi Agrawal, representing the petitioner, submitted a progress report on the demolition work. The court recorded the report, which stated that unauthorized structures in the parking area of the building complex had been removed. NMC counsel JB Kasat informed the bench that approximately 80% of the demolition in the parking area had been completed, with the remaining work expected to be finished soon. Kasat also mentioned that the demolition process had been temporarily halted on March 5. The judges noted that the petitioner had previously given a written undertaking to the court to remove the illegal constructions but had failed to comply with that commitment. The bench indicated that the issue of non-compliance would be addressed in a later hearing.#nagpur_bench #n_kumar #poonam_chambers #nmc #anil_pansare
