That it needed the Supreme Court of India’s directions for illegal construction in Maharashtra, mainly in its cities, to come under the hammer tells a story of pelf, connivance and more. The Maharashtra government issued an order this week directing all district collectors to follow the procedure set down by the apex court, both for demolishing the existing ones and measures to control such construction. The SC adjudicated on petitions concerning illegal buildings in Malvan Municipal Council even as the Bombay High Court is seized of similar matters in Nagpur, Mumbai and Navi Mumbai. The government order warns the officials of stringent action if they fail to comply. So far, so good, but several uncomfortable questions and issues arise.

It took........

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