The Allahabad High Court's Lucknow Bench has directed authorities to give one final opportunity to 72 alleged encroachers, including several advocates, to either vacate or establish a lawful claim over chambers and shops constructed on public land near Chakbast Crossing in Lucknow. The court also ordered the district administration and police to extend full support to the Lucknow Municipal Corporation so that the demolition drive can be carried out without disruption.
Background of the Case
The Public Interest Litigation was filed after concerns were raised over illegal encroachments on public pathways and utility land near the court complex. Earlier proceedings recorded that the Municipal Corporation had identified 72 alleged encroachments, but only 14 could be removed because officials faced resistance during the demolition exercise.
The matter also witnessed allegations of court work being affected due to protests by members of bar associations. Earlier orders had sought explanations from certain office bearers and advocates regarding alleged abstention from judicial work. In the present hearing, the court clarified that those explanations would be considered separately and that no adverse inference would be drawn against them at this stage.
Court's Observations
A Bench of Justice Rajesh Singh Chauhan and Justice Rajeev Bharti examined the Municipal Corporation's submissions that more than 100 illegal structures had already been demolished in compliance with earlier directions. However, the corporation informed the court that several of the remaining structures could not be removed because of agitation and renewed occupation of some locations after demolition.
The bench noted that notices had already been served to the alleged encroachers and, where service was not possible, the notices were pasted on the structures and public notices were also published in newspapers.
During the hearing, senior members of the Bar stated that they could not defend illegal encroachments. They nevertheless requested that advocates occupying such structures be considered for temporary alternative arrangements until lawful chambers could be obtained.
Recording these submissions, the court observed,
"As an abundant precaution, we find it appropriate that all those encroachers may be given one more opportunity either to vacate those chambers/shops or to apprise the competent authority about their valid claim."
Court's Decision
The High Court directed the Lucknow Municipal Corporation to issue fresh written notices to all 72 alleged encroachers within one week. If the notices are not accepted, they must be pasted at the site and their publication must be made in one Hindi and one English newspaper. At least ten days' time must be granted for compliance.
The court further ordered that if the occupants neither vacate the premises nor establish a valid legal right over the structures, the chambers and shops may be demolished. To avoid disruption of judicial work, the demolition exercise should preferably be conducted on a Sunday after informing the occupants of the scheduled date.
The Bench also directed the Commissioner of Police, District Magistrate and Municipal Commissioner, Lucknow, to coordinate the exercise and ensure adequate administrative and police assistance. It made clear that any unlawful obstruction during the demolition would invite action in accordance with law.
The explanations filed by office bearers of the bar associations and other advocates will be considered on the next date of hearing, and no adverse inference shall presently be drawn merely because explanations have been sought.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 10, 2026.
Case Details:
Case Title: Anuradha Singh And Others v. State of U.P. Thru. Prin. Secy. Home Lko And Others
Case Number: Criminal Writ-Public Interest Litigation No. 4 of 2026
Judges: Hon'ble Rajesh Singh Chauhan, J. and Hon'ble Rajeev Bharti, J.
Decision Date: August 4, 2026
