The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) faces renewed scrutiny over allegations of leniency in addressing administrative misconduct, with advocate Madhukar Musale accusing civic authorities of taking "mild action" against former encroachment department head Madhav Jagtap. The controversy stems from the Aundh stall dispute at Parihar Chowk, where 30 illegal stalls were allegedly permitted with PMC officials’ complicity, sparking a months-long legal and administrative battle.
In January 2025, PMC Commissioner Dr. Rajendra Bhosale confirmed that an inquiry committee had submitted its report on the illegal stalls, which were set up in a no-hawkers zone after the lease for Shivdatt Mini Market expired in 2013. Despite Jagtap’s 2024 recommendation to demolish the stalls, action was delayed due to alleged misinformation provided by officials to then-Commissioner Vikram Kumar. Dr. Bhosale eventually ordered the demolition in May 2024, but Musale claims the subsequent disciplinary action against Jagtap and others has been insufficient. “Officials who misled the administration must face strict consequences,” Musale asserted.
Madhukar Musale, whose wife, former corporator Archana Musale, led protests against the stalls, alleges a pattern of negligence. “Jagtap issued oral and written orders beyond his authority, yet no meaningful action was taken,” he said. The Musales’ campaign highlights broader concerns about PMC’s handling of encroachments, with critics accusing the civic body of bureaucratic inertia and political interference.
While Dr. Bhosale assured “strict action” against guilty officials, the committee’s findings remain undisclosed. The delay has fueled public skepticism, particularly as PMC grapples with multiple encroachment crises, including recent crackdowns at Swargate ST Depot. The Aundh case, now sub judice due to a Commercial Court appeal, underscores the legal complexities PMC faces in balancing enforcement with due process.
The controversy mirrors systemic issues in urban administration, where political pressures and procedural delays often hinder accountability. With municipal elections looming in 2025, the PMC’s ability to address these challenges will test public trust. As Musale’s allegations gain traction, the demand for transparency in disciplinary proceedings grows louder.