Jaipur: 900 Traders Protest Against HC Order to Seal 19 Buildings

JAIPUR: In response to the High Court’s directive to seal 19 buildings in the Walled City for alleged violations of building bylaws and heritage tampering, around 900 traders staged a protest at JMC-Heritage on Wednesday, demanding that their voices also be heard in the matter.

The traders argued that their establishments are not encroachments, asserting that they have adhered to all regulations set by the civic body.

Surendra Baj, senior vice-president of Jaipur Vyapaar Mahasangh, emphasized that the traders are urging the administration to file a petition in the High Court to ensure their perspective is also considered. He highlighted that the livelihoods of traders, their families, and employees are now at stake due to this decision.

“All businesses operating within these 19 buildings have legitimate commercial electricity and water connections. Moreover, we regularly pay Urban Development (UD) tax, and traders comply with all stipulated norms.

Our demand is that our side should be presented in court before any final decision is made,” said Baj.

The High Court’s division bench, on February 25, had issued an order for the immediate sealing of the 19 buildings, citing violations of building bylaws and unauthorized alterations to heritage structures.

This ruling was based on a report from a committee constituted as per the court’s directive, which deemed these structures entirely illegal.