JAYVANTBHAI SHANTUBHAI VALAversusSTATE OF GUJARAT
- Disposal
- 53-ALLOWED / GRANTED @ ADM.STAGE
- Bench
- VAIBHAVI D NANAVATI
Holding
The notice directing removal of the alleged construction is without jurisdiction and is quashed.
Summary
The petitioners challenged a notice dated 19‑January‑2026 issued by the Mamlatdar and Executive Magistrate ordering the removal of alleged illegal construction within two days, alleging it was issued without prior intimation and without citing any legal provision. The notice claimed the construction violated a 40‑metre setback from the centre of a National Highway and warned of demolition under Section 61 of the Gujarat Land Revenue Code, 1879. The petitioners argued that the notice was an order beyond the authority's jurisdiction and denied them a proper remedy. The Court held that the notice was indeed without jurisdiction, was issued as an order without prior notice, and failed to specify the statutory basis for the action. Consequently, the Court quashed the notice under its power under Article 226 of the Constitution and allowed the petition.
Issues considered
- Whether the notice issued by the Mamlatdar and Executive Magistrate directing removal of alleged construction within two days is within the jurisdiction of the authority.
- Whether the notice, issued without prior intimation and without citing a specific legal provision, is valid and enforceable.
Legislation cited
- Constitution of Indias. 226
Subjects
Judgment
C/SCA/870/2026 ORDER DATED: 21/01/2026
IN THE HIGH COURT OF GUJARAT AT AHMEDABAD
R/SPECIAL CIVIL APPLICATION NO. 870 of 2026
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JAYVANTBHAI SHANTUBHAI VALA & ORS.
Versus
STATE OF GUJARAT & ANR.
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Appearance:
MR MEHUL S. SHAH, SENIOR ADVOCATE with MR. MRUGESH A
BAROT(6709) for the Petitioner(s) No. 1,2,3,4,5,6
GOVERNMENT PLEADER for the Respondent(s) No. 1,2
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CORAM:HONOURABLE MS. JUSTICE VAIBHAVI D. NANAVATI
Date : 21/01/2026
ORAL ORDER
1. Heard Mr. Mehul S. Shah, the learned Senior Counsel
assisted by Mr. Mrugesh A. Barot, the learned advocate appearing
for the petitioners and Mr. Angesh Panchal, the learned advocate
appearing for the respondent – State.
2. By way of present petition, the petitioners herein have
challenged the impugned notice dated 19.1.2026 by way of
No.Encroachment/Registration No.01/V/2026.
3. Mr. Shah, the learned Senior Counsel submits that the
notice provides that the alleged construction has to be carried out
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C/SCA/870/2026 ORDER DATED: 21/01/2026
from the 40 meters from the center of the National Highway. It is
submitted that the impugned notice dated 19.1.2026 issued by the
learned Mamlatdar and Executive Magistrate for removal of
alleged illegal construction on the ground that the construction has
to be carried out from 40 meters of center of the National
Highway.
3.1 It is submitted that such direction is in the form of an order to
remove the alleged construction within two days from the receipt of
the notice, failing the respondent No.2 authority would take
appropriate steps to demolish the same.
3.2 It is submitted that the notice is in the form of an order
without prior intimation to the petitioners herein, the same is also
silent as to provision of law invoked by the respondent authority.
4. Mr. Angesh Panchal, the learned AGP upon instructions of
Mr. Devendra Navinchandra Vyas, Incharge Mamlatdar, Chotila
states that, if the petitioners would not remove the alleged
construction, as referred to in the notice, within two days, as stated
in the notice, the respondent authority would be constrained to
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C/SCA/870/2026 ORDER DATED: 21/01/2026
initiate proceedings under Section 61 of the Gujarat Land Revenue
Code, 1879.
5. In the opinion of this Court, the impugned notice dated
19.1.2026 directing the petitioners to remove the alleged
construction within a period of two days is without jurisdicition. The
same is in the form of an order without prior intimation and the
provisions of law under which such powers are exercised by the
respondent authority, to facilitiate the petitioners to avail
appropriate remedy challenging the said notice in accordance with
law.
On the aforesaid ground, the impugned notice dated
19.1.2026 bearing No.Encroachment/Registration No.01/V/2026 is
quashed and set aside in exercise of powers under Article 226 of
the Constitution of India.
6. The present petition stands allowed.
Direct service today is permitted.
(VAIBHAVI D. NANAVATI,J)
K.K. SAIYED
Original copy of this order has been signed by the Hon'ble Judge.
Digitally signed by: SAIYED KAZIMALI(HC00169), PRINCIPAL PRIVATE SECRETARY, at High Court of Gujarat on 21/01/2026 17:21:24
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