New Delhi: In a major directive targeting land-use violations, the Supreme Court on Tuesday instructed municipal authorities across the country to prioritise action against residential properties being utilised for commercial operations, ordering that non-compliant properties be sealed.

A bench comprising Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan clarified that while areas without clear zoning designations—neither purely residential nor commercial—should be evaluated, no enforcement action should be taken against them at this stage.

Addressing potential enforcement bias, the bench issued a strong warning to civic bodies nationwide.

"We make it clear that all authorities shall carry out the exercise without any discrimination. If they resort to pick and choose method, the court will take strict view of the matter," the bench said.

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Expanding scope beyond regional violations

The top court's directive follows its previous observations regarding widespread, unchecked non-compliance with building bylaws and regional land-use regulations. The court had highlighted that unapproved construction routinely occurs in restricted zones and that finished structures are frequently diverted from their approved functions.

"More importantly, upon completion, such lands and buildings are often put to uses other than those for which sanction was originally granted by the competent authority," it had said.

The nationwide order comes after the apex court expanded the scope of a petition originally centered on unauthorised constructions in Chennai to address the systemic issue on a pan-India scale.

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Civic and environmental toll

The bench emphasised the severe strain placed on local infrastructure when residential zones are improperly repurposed into commercial hubs.

"Such practices are not only contrary to law and public interest, but also cause significant inconvenience and prejudice to bona fide residents, who have invested substantial resources in purchasing property and constructing their houses. The environmental and civic consequences of such misuse by unscrupulous elements of society are equally serious and have far-reaching implications," it had said.

To execute the mandate, the Supreme Court has directed every municipality and municipal corporation to launch a thorough investigation within their boundaries to pinpoint zones designated strictly for housing that are currently operating as unauthorised commercial spaces. (PTI)