In Brief
NIMS University encroached on government land (Khasra No. 526) in the catchment area of Ramgarh Dam—a critical water source for Jaipur. After being denied allotment and receiving no response to representations for 10 years, NIMS constructed buildings on the land, assuming silence meant consent. The High Court found the encroachment illegal and ordered demolition. The Supreme Court upheld this, holding that government silence does not grant permission, and that unauthorized construction on water resource catchment areas must be demolished to protect public interests, which take precedence over private investment. The Court ordered demolition at NIMS's cost.
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