In Brief
The Supreme Court rejected a writ petition challenging orders for demolition of an unauthorized multi-storey residential building (Santosha Complex) in Patna that deviated enormously from its sanctioned plan. The building had nine floors instead of six, increased height beyond limits, and violated floor-area-ratio and airport safety guidelines. The petitioners sought to regularize the construction through compounding fees or sealing the illegal mezzanine floor. The Court held that illegal construction cannot be legalized through such measures and that compounding is a closed issue once prior appeals and petitions have been finally dismissed. The Court maintained the demolition order and enhanced compensation to affected flat owners from Rs. 6,000 to Rs. 7,000 per sq. ft."
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