A large-scale demolition drive announced by the Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) in multiple Gurgaon sectors did not begin on Monday as planned. The Haryana government is preparing to challenge in the Supreme Court a Punjab and Haryana High Court order staying the S+4 building policy. The Supreme Court dismissed a petition from Sector 31 residents.
The Haryana Shahari Vikas Pradhikaran (HSVP) announced on Friday a large-scale demolition drive from April 27 to July 1 targeting alleged encroachments in Gurgaon sectors 27, 43, 31, 32A, 24, 25A and 30. Slated to begin Monday, the drive has been put on hold.
Senior HSVP officials said the pause follows the Haryana government's plan to challenge a recent Punjab and Haryana High Court order staying the stilt-plus-four (S+4) building policy. Introduced in 2023, the policy permitted four floors above stilt parking on residential plots, spurring redevelopment in older sectors amid complaints of higher density, parking shortages and infrastructure strain.
On Monday, the Supreme Court declined to intervene in a Special Leave Petition by Sector 31 residents, who alleged authorities misused the High Court's April 2 interim order to demolish boundary walls and green areas without notice, affecting nearly 1,500 families.
Chief Justice Kant remarked, "If the High Court is performing its constitutional duty to dismantle unauthorised constructions, why should we hinder?" Counsel Gopal Sankaranarayanan noted demolitions of compound walls and trees were occurring without notice. The court directed petitioners to approach the High Court and later clarified proper notices must be served.
