Patna: The Patna Municipal Corporation’s monitoring of land-use violations has come under sharp scrutiny in the Supreme Court after a survey found 26,746 residential properties being used for non-residential or commercial purposes.
The figures were disclosed in an affidavit filed by the Municipal Corporation before the Supreme Court, prompting strong criticism from a bench of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R Mahadevan.
The court questioned how the civic body could remain unaware of violations on such a large scale until the matter reached the Supreme Court.
Prima facie, the bench described the situation as a complete abdication of responsibility by the municipal commissioners concerned.
Court Questions Four-Year Record
The affidavit stated that Animesh Kumar Parashar served as municipal commissioner of the Patna Municipal Corporation for nearly four years, from November 26, 2021, to October 4, 2025.
During his tenure, around 500 cases involving violations of municipal bye-laws came to light. The Corporation took suo motu cognisance of 81 cases and passed orders in 129 cases.
The affidavit further stated that action was taken on more than 397 complaints and 22 other matters during Parashar’s tenure.
The Supreme Court, however, questioned whether this record demonstrated adequate monitoring given the duration of his tenure and the scale of violations subsequently identified.
The bench observed that, prima facie, there appeared to be no evidence of genuine concern by the then municipal commissioner regarding violations taking place on the ground.
Former Commissioner Asked To Appear
The Supreme Court has issued notice to Parashar and directed him to appear in person at the next hearing and submit his response.
The bench is examining the Municipal Corporation’s monitoring mechanisms and actions against violations of municipal bye-laws during his tenure.
The court also expressed dissatisfaction with the pace of action under the current municipal commissioner.
It noted that notices had not yet been issued to most of the violators identified in the survey and questioned why action had not progressed more quickly despite the scale of the findings.
Four Weeks To Issue Notices
Bihar Advocate General SD Sanjay assured the court that notices would be issued to all concerned parties within a maximum of four weeks.
The Supreme Court has directed the concerned parties to file a compliance affidavit within the same period, detailing the steps taken against the identified violations.
The matter will next be heard on September 15, 2026, at 2pm.
By then, the Patna Municipal Corporation is expected to place before the court a compliance report detailing the notices issued and action taken in connection with the 26,746 cases.
Parashar will also be required to appear before the court and present his response.
