The directive by Supreme Court mandating removal of encroachments from public roads and pavements across the country within three days is a significant step towards reclaiming public space for its intended purpose. The apex court’s order underscores the fundamental principle that public infrastructure belongs to citizens and should not be obstructed or appropriated for private interests.
Encroachments on public roads and pavements have long been a pervasive issue, with individuals and entities disregarding rights of the public by unlawfully occupying these spaces. The SC’s firm stance against such encroachments sends a clear message that no one, regardless of their position or influence, is above law. It reaffirms the principle that public amenities are meant for benefit of all citizens and must be safeguarded from unlawful appropriation. However, merely removing existing encroachments is not sufficient, as robust measures must be put in place to prevent their recurrence. This necessitates stringent enforcement of zoning regulations and proactive monitoring to deter individuals from encroaching upon public land in future. Simultaneously it is imperative to avoid pitfalls of past endeavours to address issue of encroachments. History bears witness to instances where authorities, under the guise of anti-encroachment drives, engaged in corrupt practices and victimised vulnerable individuals. The 2008 anti-encroachment drive serves as a stark reminder of such mismanagement, where seized goods were not returned to affected vendors and allegations of bribery tainted the process. Therefore, as authorities move forward to implement SC’s order, transparency and accountability must be paramount. Any misuse or abuse of power must be swiftly addressed and mechanisms should be put in place to ensure that affected individuals are treated fairly and justly. Whether an occupation is deemed legal or illegal, it is essential to follow established procedures, providing affected individuals with due process and, where necessary, financial compensation.
