#GMDA Act

Gauhati High Court reinforces the exhaustion doctrine by dismissing a writ petition challenging a demolition order for unauthorised construction, directing petitioners to first pursue the statutory appeal under the GMDA Act. The ruling underscores that Article 226 cannot be invoked bypassing available statutory remedies, impacting property owners and developers in urban development disputes.

Gauhati HC rules that the Guwahati Metropolitan Development Authority (GMDA) holds overriding jurisdiction over Gaon Panchayat areas covered under a notified Master Plan, even if prior permission was granted by the Panchayat. The court clarified that a written reply suffices for natural justice where facts are undisputed, reinforcing municipal authority supremacy in urban planning enforcement.