Supreme Court Requests Explanation from BBMP Amid Nationwide Crackdown on Unauthorized Buildings

Supreme Court Directs Bengaluru Authority to Explain Refusal of Notice

The Supreme Court has directed the Greater Bengaluru Authority (GBA) to submit an explanation after an official court report indicated that the Bengaluru authority allegedly refused notice issued in a nationwide case on unauthorized constructions and land-use violations.

The direction came from a bench of Justices Ahsanuddin Amanullah and R. Mahadevan while hearing an ongoing matter examining illegal constructions, deviations from sanctioned building plans, unlawful land-use changes, and enforcement failures by urban planning authorities across India. Taking note of an 'Office Report' dated May 19, 2026, the court observed that service of notice had been completed on all respondents except the Bengaluru authority, where it was reportedly refused.

"We are unable to comprehend the reason for such refusal," the bench said, directing the GBA Commissioner to provide a "personal explanation". There was no immediate response from GBA. The copy will be updated after receiving a response.

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The court's remarks came amid growing concern over what it described as widespread and serious violations of building regulations across the country. Amicus Curiae Ajit Kumar Sinha informed the bench that affidavits received from several authorities largely detailed surveys conducted to identify violations but failed to disclose what enforcement action had been taken against offenders.

Expressing dissatisfaction, the court ordered all respondent authorities to file fresh affidavits detailing concrete follow-up measures, including sealing, demolition, or other actions permitted under law. "These affidavits must be personally sworn by the heads of the respective authorities," the order said.

The bench also instructed statutory appellate authorities and quasi-judicial forums dealing with unauthorized constructions and land-use violations to dispose of pending cases, as far as possible, within three months. The matter is scheduled for further hearing on August 4, 2026.