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Mira‑Bhainder (CityNews Mumbai) – Alleged negligence by the Municipal Corporation’s Town Planning Department and the approval of illegal constructions have sparked a political storm today. Maharashtra Transport Minister Pratap Saranik, while personally inspecting the department, adopted an aggressive “heroic” stance and sharply targeted the administration and corrupt system.

**Accusation of contempt of court order**
The case is linked to Special Civil Suit No. 481/2014, in which the court on 4 March 2024 ordered that the disputed land be maintained “as is” (status quo). It is alleged that, despite being a party to the case, the Municipal Corporation’s Town Planning Department flouted the court order and issued a Completion Certificate (CC) for the illegal building on the disputed site.

**MLA Mottha’s law? – Minister’s sarcasm**
In this context, Minister Saranik directly targeted BJP MLA Narendra Mehta, asking, “MLA Mottha’s law?” i.e., are legislators above the law? While demanding strict action against those who disrespect the court, the minister said that if ordinary citizens have to knock on the court’s door for every minor or major matter, what is the purpose of the administrative system? He added that whenever a case goes to court, the name Narendra Mehta and “7/11” appear in every land dispute.

**Demands clear, action immediate**
Minister Saranik laid out several explicit demands before the Town Planning Department:
1. Cancel the registration of the architect who is Narendra Mehta’s brother‑in‑law, Kotari, and immediately and permanently revoke the license of the architect who issued the illegal CC in violation of regulations.
2. Register a criminal case against all offenders – the concerned architect, landowner, and builder – and file charges immediately.
3. Conduct a high‑level inquiry into the seizure of tribal and land‑less peoples’ land by land‑grabbers and the collusion between builders and officials.
4. Submit the file to the police: the minister handed over a complete file with serious evidence to Police Commissioner Rahul Chavan and ordered an investigation.

*Political atmosphere hot*
The incident occurs in a tense political climate following the recent municipal elections in Mira‑Bhainder, where an open rivalry between Minister Saranik and MLA Mehta has been observed. The BJP alleges that Saranik’s supporters in the corporation have effected illegal changes to reserved‑land rules under the guise of community halls and development projects.

*Minister stands on behalf of land‑less peoples*
Minister Saranik linked his action to a fight for the rights of tribal and local land‑less peoples, stating that the Mahayuti government stands firmly on their side and will amend laws if necessary to deliver justice to rural communities.

*Way forward*
The episode has once again shone a light on accusations of entrenched corruption and negligence in Mira‑Bhainder’s municipal administration. The minister’s direct and aggressive initiative has raised hopes that legal action against culpable officials and builders will be swift and that ordinary citizens will receive justice. However, it has also created a new point of contention in local politics, drawing the attention of all parties.