Punjab Kesari Publisher’s Hotel Demolition Challenge Rejected by High Court
Punjab & Haryana HC dismisses Chopra Hotels’ writ petition, directs firm to pursue statutory appeal route
Chandigarh, February 10, 2026 – The Punjab and Haryana High Court has dismissed a writ petition filed by Chopra Hotels Private Limited, publisher of newspapers ‘Punjab Kesari’ and ‘Hind Samachar’, challenging demolition orders for unauthorized construction at its Jalandhar property, ruling that the company must pursue the statutory appeal process instead.
Justice Ramesh Kumari disposed of the petition without commenting on merits, upholding a preliminary objection raised by state authorities that Section 269 of the Punjab Municipal Corporation Act, 1976 provides for appeals to be filed before the District Judge rather than the High Court.
The case involves a hotel building at Plot B-XII-294-B-9/2/2762, Police Line Road, Jalandhar, which was sealed on February 5, 2026, following violations of approved building plans. Municipal authorities issued a demolition order dated February 6, 2026, after the petitioner failed to obtain relaxation from an earlier decision dated November 6, 2025.
Court proceedings revealed undisputed construction violations. The hotel’s left front setback measured 15.37% (4,052.54 sq ft) against the approved 20.03% (5,280.25 sq ft), with the level extended approximately 4 feet 6 inches beyond permissions. Additionally, an unauthorized room measuring 16 feet by 27 feet was constructed in the rear setback area, contravening building bye-laws.
Senior counsel for Chopra Hotels argued the demolition orders resulted from “political vendetta,” claiming the company publishes newspapers ‘Hind Samachar’ and ‘Punjab Kesari’ which do not follow government directives. The petitioner’s legal team, led by Senior Advocates Chetan Mittal and Gaurav Chopra, cited the Supreme Court’s recent judgment in Directions in the Matter of Demolition of Structures, in Re (2025) 5 Supreme Court Cases 1, arguing proper procedures were not followed.
However, Justice Kumari found the statutory appeal mechanism under Section 269 of the Act clearly establishes the District Judge’s jurisdiction over demolition orders. The provision requires aggrieved parties to file appeals within the period specified in the demolition order.
“Section 269 of the Act makes it abundantly clear that the appeal lies against orders Annexures P-1 and P-2 to the Court of District Judge of the city where the premises are situated,” the judgment stated.
The court explicitly noted that observations regarding construction violations were made solely for deciding the preliminary objection and “shall have no bearing on the merits of the case before any other competent statutory authority or in any other proceedings.”
State counsel, led by Additional Advocate General Chanchal Kumar Singla for Punjab and Advocate General Maninderjit Singh Bedi for the municipal corporation, successfully argued the writ petition was not maintainable given the available statutory remedy.
The petitioner had sought multiple reliefs including quashing both demolition orders, unsealing the hotel building, and alternatively, a six-month period to undertake rectification work. All requests for interim relief were denied as the court relegated the matter to the statutory appeal process.
Chopra Hotels Private Limited may now file an appeal before the District Judge of Jalandhar within the timeframe specified in the demolition order. The District Judge has authority under Section 269 to stay enforcement of demolition orders on appropriate terms and conditions.
The judgment underscores judicial insistence on parties exhausting statutory remedies before approaching High Courts in writ jurisdiction, particularly where legislation provides specific appellate forums for challenging administrative orders.
