HC issues contempt notice to Jaipur collector over delayed action on illegal construction

Jaipur: Rajasthan High Court has issued a contempt notice to Jaipur collector Sandesh Nayak for allegedly failing to act against illegal construction on a public pathway in Pachala village of Phagi sub-division of Jaipur district, despite earlier court directions. The court has sought his reply within four weeks.

A single-judge bench of Justice Anand Sharma passed the order Friday, while hearing a contempt petition filed by Pachala village resident Laxman Singh Naruka through advocate Laxmikant Sharma Malpura.

According to the petition, the high court on April 2, 2026, directed the Jaipur Collector to consider a representation seeking removal of permanent illegal constructions allegedly raised by influential persons on a public pathway in the village. The court ordered that the representation be decided within three weeks and appropriate action be taken in accordance with law.

Counsel for the petitioner, Laxmikant Sharma Malpura, contended that despite clear directions of the court, the district administration failed to initiate any action against the alleged encroachment.

“The petitioner filed representations before the collector and local authorities on April 8, 2026, in compliance with the court order, but no decision was taken within the stipulated period,” Sharma said.

The counsel further argued that influential persons continued construction activity on the disputed pathway, further obstructing public access and causing inconvenience to villagers, amounting to wilful disobedience of the high court’s order.