Comm establishments unprotected by MPD 2021 to face action:SC

New Delhi, May 12 (UNI) The Supreme Court today made it clear that if any premises or commercial establishments in Delhi is not protected by MPD 2021, it will have to face action.

A bench comprising Justices Arijit Pasayat, C K Thakkar and Lokeshwar Singh Panta issued the clarification when a primary school owner sought protection against the sealing of first and second floor of the building. The court, however, refused to grant him protection because the commercial activity in mixed land use areas has been permitted only on ground floor.

The apex court also declined to come to the rescue of an NGO on the grounds that MPD 2021 is silent so far where NGOs are concerned and therefore, the court will not interfere.

Earlier, amicus curiae Senior Counsel Ranjit Kumar had told the apex court that many NGOs were registered under the Companies Act and have been indulging in profit making ventures and therefore, not permitted to operate from residential areas. Justice Pasayat made it clear that it was for the Monitoring Committee, appointed by this court, to decide whether a particular NGO was involved in charitable and public welfare activities or in commercial activities, adding that therefore, there would be no interference from the court.

The apex court also told the petitioners that the matter will be heard in detail after summer vacation and MPD 2021 will also be examined in detail by the court.

The apex court has already been examining the MPD 2021 and the Centre has been asked to explain whether it has sufficient infrastructure including basic amenities like water, electricity, roads, schools and piblic conviniences, among others, for its implementation.

The Government has already put forth a proposal to regularise 1500 unauthorised colonies spread over Delhi, having a population of about 25 lakhs.

UNI SC GL RP DS1556