SC to hear plea seeking 6 month moratorium against sealing

New Delhi, Apr 17: The supreme Court will hear on April 28 the application of the Union Urban Development Ministry seeking a six month moratorium against the ongoing sealing process in Delhi in terms of its order dated February 16, 2006.

Solicitor General G E Vanhanvati mentioned the application before the bench headed by Chief Justice Y K Sabharwal to get it listed for an early hearing.

The centre in its application filed last week had sought six months time to identify the areas where mixed land use can be permitted.

Earlier, 229 roads of 80 feet width were identified by the MCD for stopping the misuse. The number later on came down to 189.

Commercial establishments operating from residential areas are facing closure.

The supreme Court has however, granted time till June 30, 2006 to those who have filed affidavit of undertaking saying that they shall stop the misuse by the deadline fixed by the court and shall not seek further extention on any ground.

Those filing false affidavit shall be liable to be prosecuted for the offence of perjury as well as for Contempt of Supreme Court.

The application filed by the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) seeking exemption of professionals such as lawyers, doctors and chartered accountants from sealing is also fixed for hearing today.

The apex court had last week refused to grant exemption to the professionals.

UNI