This refers to the report, “Former CMs can’t occupy Govt bungalows for life, rules SC” (August 2). In a landmark verdict, the Supreme Court unanimously struck down the 1997 executive order of the Uttar Pradesh Government which permitted all former Chief Ministers to occupy bungalows for their entire life.
The 1997 Government order titled ‘Ex-Chief Ministers Residence Allotment Rules’ has been held by the apex court as violative of the 1981 Act which provided that former Chief Ministers will vacate the official residence occupied by them within 15 days of relinquishing their charge. The court has ordered that all former Chief Ministers occupying State bungalows must vacate them within two months.
And this practice is not confined to Uttar Pradesh, but also exists in other States also. The apex court’s verdict on the writ petition filed by NGO lok Prahari, 12 years back, must also be applicable to other States and on the Centre as well.