Pune: Bombay High Court Flags Roadside Encroachments in Kondhwa’s Kausar Baug, Tells Civic Body to Act
Reported by Mubarak Ansari
Pune, 11th September 2026: The Bombay High Court has asked the municipal corporation to finalise proceedings concerning alleged roadside encroachments and unauthorised commercial activities in the Kausar Baug area of Kondhwa, Pune, in accordance with law.
A division bench of Chief Justice Mahesh Chandra Tripathi and Justice Advait M. Sethna passed the order on September 10 while disposing of a writ petition filed by the Kausar Baug Residents Forum.
The forum alleged widespread roadside encroachments in the locality and sought action against unauthorised structures, eateries, hotels, roadside vendors, temporary structures, marriage halls and other commercial establishments allegedly operating without the required licences and statutory approvals.
The petition also raised concerns about commercial activities on roads, footpaths, open spaces and playgrounds, particularly during Ramzan. It sought action against illegal parking, unauthorised autorickshaw stands and double parking, along with measures to keep routes clear for ambulances, fire engines and other emergency vehicles.
Other issues highlighted in the petition included sanitation, waste management, drainage, the discharge of untreated wastewater and the alleged use of open flames, grills, bhattis and smoke-emitting equipment without valid fire-safety approvals.
During the hearing, counsel for the residents’ forum submitted that evidence placed before the court showed extensive roadside encroachments. At this stage, however, the petitioner limited its request to asking the authorities to take a final decision on its complaints under the applicable law.
The court observed that it was the authority’s duty to ensure that roadsides remained free of encroachments. It clarified that adequate notices must be issued to the people concerned before any decision or action is taken.
“We expect that the proceedings are to be finalised by the Corporation, in accordance with law,” the bench said in its order.
The court disposed of the petition with the consent of the parties without examining or deciding the allegations on their merits. Advocate Rahul S. Kate, assisted by Advocate Hritwik Kate, represented the petitioner, while Government Pleader Neha S. Bhide and other government lawyers appeared for the state authorities.
