Photo Source; Babushahi Bureau
Alleged unauthorised construction at Sangrur Civil Hospital raises legal concerns
By Zinnia Balli
Sangrur (Punjab), June 11, 2025: A serious case of alleged unauthorized construction has come to light at the Civil Hospital campus in Sangrur, raising concerns over continued violations of municipal laws and court orders by officials of the Public Works Department (PWD).
Photographs dated June 7, 2025, show heavy construction activity underway at the hospital site.
A JCB earthmover was seen carrying out deep excavation work, while laborers without any protective gear worked in unsafe and unhygienic conditions.Another image shows a large stockpile of reinforcement steel, indicating that full-fledged construction work has already begun.
Sources allege that the construction is taking place without an approved building plan from the Municipal Council, Sangrur. While some drawings may have been submitted, no formal approval has been granted.
Sources allege that the construction is taking place without an approved building plan from the Municipal Council, Sangrur. While some drawings may have been submitted, no formal approval has been granted.
As per the Punjab Municipal Act and building bye-laws, even minor construction activity without sanction is illegal.
The matter is further complicated by ongoing litigation. The land in question is reportedly covered under CWP-18565 of 2021, which is currently being heard by the Chief Justice of the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
A stay is in place on tree-felling in Sangrur, but 17 trees were allegedly cut down at the site to clear land for the construction—without the court's permission.
A concerned resident, Jasinder Sekhon, has written to Punjab Chief Secretary K.A.P. Sinha, urging immediate action. In the letter, Sekhon called for halting the construction, initiating disciplinary action against the officer involved, and conducting a joint inspection by the Municipal Council and PWD.
“This is not just a violation of municipal law but a challenge to the authority of the High Court,” Sekhon stated in his letter, which has also highlighted the need for accountability, especially as the incident is taking place in the Chief Minister’s home district.
As of now, there has been no official response from the concerned departments. The issue is expected to draw attention in legal and administrative circles in the coming days.
As of now, there has been no official response from the concerned departments. The issue is expected to draw attention in legal and administrative circles in the coming days.