SC orders survey of commercial misuse in residential areas

Jaipur: The Supreme Court has directed municipal bodies in all state and Union Territory capitals to survey residential areas being used for commercial activities and submit affidavits listing violations by May 15, 2026, placing the Jaipur Municipal Corporation (JMC) under a strict deadline.The order came during a hearing on unauthorised commercial use in a Chennai colony, where a bench of Justice Ahsanuddin Amanullah and Justice R. Mahadevan expanded the scope nationwide."Authorities are directed to conduct a comprehensive inquiry to identify areas that are demarcated exclusively for residential use but are being misused for non-residential purposes. A detailed list of such cases shall be prepared and placed before this Court by way of affidavits, to be personally affirmed by the Commissioners," the court said in its March 25 order.JMC officials said teams have been formed to compile the report. "We have to submit the report by May 15 and will soon begin identifying such locations," an official said.Civic experts say violations are widespread across Jaipur, with shops, offices, coaching centres and hostels operating in residential colonies due to lax enforcement."There are several instances of commercial usage in almost all residential localities, primarily due to negligence of civic body officials," said Chandra Sekhar Parashar, former additional chief town planner.He added that the trend has undermined designated commercial hubs. "If commercial activities continue unchecked in residential areas, why would businesses invest in spaces earmarked for commercial use?" he said.Officials flagged hotspots such as Gopalpura, Mahesh Nagar, Lal Kothi and Pratap Nagar, and cited recent action against a rooftop swimming pool facility allegedly open to the public. They also pointed to a coordination gap between JDA and JMC."While JDA sanctions building plans, JMC issues trade licences without verifying land use, leading to misuse," an official said.