A major controversy has erupted in Ahmedabad’s Ghatlodia area after Snehanjali Co-operative Housing Society, which has stood for 35 years, was declared illegal by the authorities, leaving 25 families facing an uncertain future.
The society’s houses were sold in 1986 by Anjana Builder to ONGC employees. However, after more than three decades, the legality of the construction has been questioned.
Despite having ownership documents and bank loan records, residents are now under threat of eviction and have sought alternative accommodation from the government.
The dispute stems from alleged irregularities by builder Kantibhai, who is accused of constructing the society on a plot different from the one originally allotted. The homes were reportedly sold without proper legal clearances. In 2006, residents first learned about the illegal status of the construction through a newspaper report. When the original plot owner demanded the land back, the matter moved to the courts.
A lower court had earlier directed the residents to pay ₹3.71 crore to the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC), an amount that was reportedly paid by the builder. However, the original plot owner was not provided an alternative plot, and the legal complications persisted. The case has now reached the Supreme Court, where it is learnt that the society has been directed to pay ₹41 crore to AMC.
Residents allege they were misled by the builder, who claimed that plots numbered 65 and 68 had been interchanged at a time when no Town Planning scheme existed. They say the builder took responsibility for the project and deliberately deceived buyers, and that action should be taken against him. Instead, they claim AMC is proceeding against residents and demanding that the society be vacated.
Amid the ongoing legal battle, AMC has issued repeated demolition notices. On Monday, a demolition drive was halted after strong resistance from residents. Authorities have now set a final deadline of December 16, warning that water and electricity connections will be disconnected after that.
The residents have approached Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel seeking relief and were assured alternative accommodation in the form of 3 BHK flats at Ekta Flats. However, no allotments have been made so far.Of the 25 affected families, 23 residents are senior citizens.