Jaipur developer moves SC over alleged commercial use of residential land, seeks directions to civic authorities
New Delhi, June 4
A Jaipur-based private real estate firm has approached the Supreme Court alleging unauthorised commercial activities on land designated for residential use in Jaipur and seeking directions to the Jaipur Municipal Corporation to examine the issue and take action in accordance with law.
The application has been filed in the pending matter of Loganathan vs State of Tamil Nadu & Ors., in which the Supreme Court, in March this year, directed municipal bodies across all state capitals to identify residential areas allegedly being used for commercial purposes and submit compliance reports.
Through its application, the Rajdarbar Pinkcity Developments Pvt. Ltd. seeks to bring its dispute within the scope of the Supreme Court's ongoing examination of alleged unauthorised commercialisation of residential areas.
According to the application, the company claims to hold exclusive development rights over certain land situated in Village Chimanpura, Bhankrota, Jaipur district. It has alleged that several commercial establishments, including furniture outlets, boutiques, salons, eateries and garment stores, are operating on the land in violation of its approved residential land-use designation.
The company has stated that the land was earmarked for the development of a private residential township under Rajasthan's Township Scheme and that its development rights were recognised through orders passed by the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) in 2005.
In its pleadings, the developer has alleged that despite multiple representations to authorities, proceedings before the JDA Appellate Tribunal, and an order of the Rajasthan High Court directing consideration of its grievances, effective action has not been taken against the constructions and commercial activities that it claims are unauthorised.
The application states that the company approached the JDA Appellate Tribunal in January 2025 seeking action against alleged unauthorised structures. In May 2025, the Tribunal reportedly directed an inspection of the site and appropriate legal action if any illegal construction was found. Thereafter, the company submitted representations to the Jaipur Municipal Corporation (Greater) and subsequently approached the Rajasthan High Court.
According to the developer, the Rajasthan High Court, on February 4, 2026, directed the concerned civic authorities to decide its representation by a reasoned order within two months. The company has alleged that no decision was communicated within the stipulated period and has stated that it is considering further legal remedies.
Along with an impleadment application seeking to be heard in the Supreme Court proceedings, the company has also filed a separate application seeking directions to Jaipur Municipal Corporation (Greater) to include the disputed land in the affidavit to be filed pursuant to the Supreme Court's order dated March 25, 2026.
The developer has requested the Supreme Court to direct the civic authorities to investigate the alleged unauthorised constructions, disclose the current status of the land, and take action in accordance with law if any unauthorised commercial activity is found.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Interesting that this developer waited 20+ years (since 2005) before going to Supreme Court. Seems like either they didn't care earlier or these commercial establishments only started recently. The JDA and Jaipur Municipal Corporation dragging their feet is predictable - Indian bureaucracy at its finest. Hope SC puts some pressure on them.
Here in Bangalore this same thing happens everywhere. One builder builds a "residential only" complex, next thing you know there's a salon, restaurant, and furniture store in the same building. The problem is our civic bodies don't have the willpower or manpower to enforce zoning laws. But these shopkeepers also need livelihoods - it's complicated. 🙏
The Rajasthan High Court gave them a deadline of two months and the corporation still hasn't responded? That's poor governance. But I also wonder - if people want shops and services nearby, shouldn't there be mixed-use zoning? Our cities are designed like segregated ghettos. Smart urban planning would have commercial areas integrated with residential.
I'm from Jaipur and this area near Bhankrota is rapidly developing. The problem is that JDA (Jaipur Development Authority) and the Municipal Corporation often have overlapping jurisdictions and they play passing-the-buck. Meanwhile, shopkeepers invest lakhs into their businesses and then get notices years later. This needs a holistic solution, not just court battles. 🏙️
I have mixed feelings. On one hand, if the developer has legal rights and followed all rules, they deserve enforcement. On the other hand, India's entire unorganized sector operates in gray areas - these small
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