Collector to initiate eviction of illegal structures at Haji Ali: HC

Mumbai, Aug 19 (UNI) The Bombay High Court today directed the Deputy Collector (Encroachments) to start issuing notices against the illpegal encroachments along the pathways and ground of the Haji Ali Dargah and initiate the eviction process.

A division bench comprising Justices F I Rebeillo and Anoop Mohta were hearing a petition filed in June 2005, by the Haji Ali Dargah Trust alleging that the Dargah was surrounded by illegal structures of which some were permanent.

Advocate S J Chaurasiya told the court on behalf of the petitioner that the report of the Commissioner appointed by the court confirmed existence of 20 illegal permanent structures.

The court held that the pathways and the grounds were under the jurisdiction of the Deputy Collector and he had to make sure that they were free of encroachments and used for the religious purpose it was meant to.

The process needs to be completed within six weeks, the court said.

UNI ARM MJ SP RN1949