Housing society in Ahmedabad declared illegal after 35 years, 25 families at crossroads

A major controversy has emerged in Ahmedabad’s Ghatlodia area, where Snehanjali Co-operative Housing Society, which has existed for 35 years, was declared illegal by the authorities. The decision has triggered a serious housing crisis for 25 families in the society.

The houses were sold in 1986 by Anjana Builder to ONGC employees. After more than three decades, questions have now been raised over the legality of the construction. Despite possessing all ownership documents and bank loan records, the current residents are facing the threat of eviction and have demanded alternative accommodation from the government.

The root of the dispute lies in alleged irregularities by builder Kantibhai, who is accused of constructing the society on a plot different from the one originally allotted. The homes were sold without proper legal clearance. In 2006, residents came to know about the illegal construction through a newspaper report. When the original plot owner demanded his land back, the matter reached the courts.

A lower court had directed the residents to pay ₹3.71 crore to the Amdavad Municipal Corporation, an amount that was reportedly paid by the builder.

However, the original plot owner was not given an alternative plot, and the legal complications continued. The matter has now reached the Supreme Court, where it is learnt that the society has been directed to pay ₹41 crore to AMC.

Residents allege that the builder misled them by claiming that plots numbered 65 and 68 were interchanged at a time when no Town Planning scheme was in place. They say the builder deliberately misled everyone and that action should be taken against him, as he had taken responsibility for the project. Instead, residents claim AMC is proceeding against them and asking the society to be vacated.

Amid the ongoing legal battle, AMC has issued repeated demolition notices to the residents. On Monday, an AMC team reached the society to carry out demolition, but the action was halted following strong resistance from residents. Authorities have now given a final deadline of December 16, warning that water and electricity connections will be disconnected after that date.

In this difficult situation, residents of Snehanjali Society approached Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel with their grievances. They were assured alternative accommodation in the form of 3 BHK flats at Ekta Flats. However, no flats have been allotted so far.

Of the 25 affected families, 23 residents are senior citizens.