The Supreme Court on Tuesday expressed concern over coaching institutes continuing to operate from commercial areas in Jaipur despite the availability of dedicated buildings constructed for their relocation, and ordered that any allotment of such buildings to other persons or institutions would remain subject to the final outcome of the proceedings.

A Bench of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R. Mahadevan passed the direction while monitoring compliance with its earlier orders concerning illegal constructions, violations of Master Plans and unauthorized land use across the country.

The Court was informed that although the Government had constructed dedicated multi-storeyed buildings to relocate coaching institutes, those institutes continued to function from commercial areas. Instead of shifting the coaching centres to the designated premises, the authorities were reportedly allotting those buildings to other institutions.

Taking note of the submissions, the Bench directed the Jaipur Development Authority (JDA) to obtain complete instructions and place on record, within three weeks, the specific remedial and corrective measures taken to address the issue.

The Court also protected the purpose for which the relocation buildings had been created by making it clear that any allotment made in favour of third parties would not create any equities.

"We make it clear that if any building has been specially earmarked and constructed for the purposes of relocating coaching institutes or other educational institutions, any allotment or settlement made in favour of any other person shall be subject to the final orders passed in these proceedings," the Bench said.

The observations came after the Court examined broader allegations of violations of Jaipur's Master Plan. It noted submissions that land earmarked for specified uses was being diverted for other purposes and that land surrendered to the Jaipur Development Authority was neither being put to its intended use nor protected from encroachments.

Describing the allegations as "shocking" and "alarming", the Court observed that landowners had surrendered land to the JDA in accordance with the planning framework, yet the authority had failed either to approve its lawful use or prevent unauthorized occupation and construction by third parties.

The Court also took exception to the prolonged pendency of appeals challenging action taken by the JDA, observing that interim orders had continued for considerable periods without final adjudication. It directed the Appellate Authority to decide all such matters within two weeks, making the Presiding Officer personally responsible and accountable for compliance with the timeline.

The matter will be considered further after the Jaipur Development Authority places its response on the remedial measures undertaken regarding the operation and relocation of coaching institutes.

Background