A petition has been filed in the Supreme Court challenging the Allahabad High Court's order which directed the demolition of chambers of advocates in Lucknow which were allegedly built encroaching upon public spaces.

A lawyer mentioned the matter before the Chief Justice of India for urgent listing, saying that the demolition notices have been issued for August 30.

CJI Surya Kant initially asked why the High Court cannot be approached. The lawyer replied that the High Court has passed the order for demolitions.

"They must be unauthorised chambers," CJI commented. The lawyer replied that the chambers have been in existence for the last forty years.

"We will see," CJI said, without specifying any date of listing. The CJI also said that the lawyers can give their replies to the notices. However, the counsel stated that the notices have been issued with the intent of carrying out demolition.

On August 6, the Allahabad High Court directed the Lucknow Municipal Corporation (LMC) to issue notices to 72 alleged encroachers, most of whom are advocates, asking them either to vacate chambers allegedly constructed on public pathways or public utility land near the Lucknow District Court complex, or establish their lawful claim over the structures. Failing this, the LMC has been directed to demolish the chambers.

The action against the encroachers was initiated by the authorities following an order issued in March by the Lucknow Bench of the Allahabad High Court directing the removal of unauthorised structures near the District and Sessions Court premises (Old High Court) in Lucknow.