India news | Where Has the Municipal Administrator’s ‘Encroachment Report’ Been Stalled? Even After 76 Hearings, the Court Has Not Received the ‘Report’!

Gyanbachi Mekh | April 9 | Bhairawnath Wakale

(India news) The Indian Constitution and the World Human Rights Commission clearly state that no person—whether in India or anywhere in the world—can be forcibly or illegally evicted from their livelihood or shelter. Protecting these rights is a duty entrusted to all citizens. However, due to a lack of awareness among common people, corrupt government officials often act at the behest of powerful leaders and demolish the homes and livelihoods of the poor without hesitation. We witness this happening while these officials exploit caste, religion, and money for their gain.

(India news) It is evident that the Encroachment Removal Department is often quick to demolish the homes of common people, Dalits, and Adivasis under the pretext of removing encroachments, only to clear land for powerful capitalists. Recently, even the Municipal Administrator personally visited a Bhil Adivasi settlement in front of the Bharat Ratna Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Social Justice Bhavan at 9:30 AM, ordering their homes to be removed.

(India news) We had already filed complaints with the District Collector, Legal Services Authority, and District Superintendent of Police regarding the illegal eviction of Adivasis under the guise of canceling a ‘bogus layout.’ The Bhil settlement under the mango trees has existed for 40 years, and the layout was approved only later. Now, the municipality is using the “encroachment” excuse to displace Bhil Adivasis, with the active involvement of the administrator.

In their blatant violation of human rights, these “outsider” officers should at least feel some sense of shame. They, too, have mothers and sisters at home. When interacting with Bhil Adivasi women, they should exercise restraint and treat them with respect. If they lack even this basic common sense, then there is no hope. This is a legal battle, and the fight will continue!

Administrators Who Threaten the Poor Are in Contempt of the High Court

While these municipal administrators intimidate and evict the poor, they brazenly ignore and defy the orders of the Mumbai High Court’s Aurangabad Bench.

The case in question involves Dilip Gandhi, the former MP of the BJP and RSS, and ex-chairman of Nagar Urban Bank. He constructed a bungalow east of the Anand Rishiji Maharaj Samadhi premises, encroaching 9 meters onto the footpath and road. In 2014–15, Vinod Gandhi filed a complaint with the Municipal Encroachment Removal Department, but no action was taken. As a result, he approached the courts, including the High Court, which ordered a survey and further action.

However, this case has been pending in Ahmednagar Court since 2017.

Since February 11, 2019, a total of 76 hearings have passed (including the upcoming April 9, 2025, hearing), yet the Commissioner-Administrator has not submitted the report. This is a serious matter. Despite being obligated to submit a report on this major encroachment involving a wealthy politician, the administrator has deliberately ignored it. This constitutes direct contempt of the Mumbai High Court’s Aurangabad Bench.

How do these officials get away with breaking the law so openly? Is it due to political backing or financial influence?

The people of Ahilyanagar must think deeply about this issue. This is why we say, “We don’t need an administrator, we need democracy.” Even the state government must take note of this.

Where Has the Encroachment Report Been Stalled for 76 Hearings?

The Municipal Commissioner fails to submit the encroachment report to the honorable court for over 76 hearings. Where is this “missing” report?

The same administrators who bulldoze the livelihoods and homes of Dalits, Muslims, Bahujans, and Adivasis—will they dare to demolish this elite encroachment? Will they finally submit the report?

The next court date for this case is today April 9, 2025. Let’s see what the administrator does.