SC notice to UP on bungalow evictions

NEW DELHI: Taking exception to the casual attitude of the UP government in evicting unauthorised occupants of government bungalows and quarters , the Supreme Court on Tuesday asked the state government to file an action taken report detailing the steps taken by it to secure eviction of illegal occupants and also for charging penal rent from such occupants.

A bench comprising Justices B N Agrawal and P P Naolekar issued the directions when it was informed that about 271 government bungalows were still under illegal occupation of politicians, bureaucrats etc. The court directed the state government to file action taken report on the matter before the next date of hearing on July 31, 2007.

The orders came on a PIL filed by S D Bandi seeking directions to the Centre and state governments to get the unauthorised occupants of government accommodation evicted and also charge penal rent from such occupants for the period of illegal occupancy.

The court expressed its displeasure on the collusive attitude of state authorities with such illegal occupants who were enjoying government accommodation without paying the dues running into crores.