A consumer forum in Uttar Pradesh has put a stop to the construction of Sunny Leone's restaurant and bar, citing concerns that the "unauthorised activity" could cause a "permanent nuisance" for residents and present security risks to the nearby high court and Indira Gandhi Pratishthan.
Justice Ashok Kumar, Chairperson of the State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, expressed concern over the allocation of the society's community centre for commercial use, specifically for Sunny Leone's bar and restaurant, Chica Loca.
A statement issued by the commission on Thursday stated, "The Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission, Uttar Pradesh in a landmark judicial pronouncement, has come down heavily on Experion Developers Pvt Ltd for carrying out illegal constructions and engaging in activities that threaten the privacy and security of prominent institutions such as the Honourable High Court, Lucknow bench and the Indira Gandhi Pratishthan."
The Indira Gandhi Pratishthan, known for hosting high-profile national and state events attended by key dignitaries, including the President and Prime Minister, has raised concerns. A complaint filed by Lucknow resident Prema Sinha, represented by counsels Manu Dixit and Saurabh Singh, highlights the issue.
Justice Kumar expressed his dismay over the Lucknow Development Authority's approval of the controversial project and the alterations made to the sanctioned map, which violate not only the provisions of the RERA Act and the Uttar Pradesh Apartment (Promotion of Construction, Ownership, and Maintenance) Act, 2010, but also breach fire safety regulations and Environmental Assessment Report guidelines.
The commission issued a directive for the "immediate halt of any construction that violates the approved plan" and called for the "restoration of encroached spaces, especially those designated for senior citizens and children." Additionally, it instructed the developers to submit an undertaking within seven days, assuring full adherence to the court’s order. "Non-compliance would result in demolition orders for the unauthorized structures such as obstruction on the pathway for fire tenders and fire exits," it said. Justice Kumar further instructed the complainant to provide a copy of the order to the Vice-Chairman and Secretary of the Lucknow Development Authority, ensuring they implement the given directives.
The case is scheduled for further hearing on February 19, with a caution that non-compliance with the orders will lead to severe legal repercussions, according to the statement.
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