Kalam gives assent to govt to halt Delhi demolitions

New Delhi, May 20: A major Constitutional crisis that was brewing due to a confrontation between Parliament and the judiciary was defused today following President A P J Abdul Kalam's assent to the Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Bill 2006.

The Centre, which had come under flak in the Lok Sabha yesterday for its alleged failure to keep its word to the House for putting an immediate end to the ongoing demolition and sealing drive against illegal constructions in the city, is expected to notify the Act immediately.

The Act would bring into force a one-year moratorium, effective from January 1, 2006, on the drive undertaken at the instance of a Delhi High Court order.

The Bill had been passed by both Houses of Parliament a few days ago, but the demolition drive was continuing for want of President's assent.

The Opposition in the Lok Sabha had stalled question hour for 45 minutes, describing as ''contempt of House'' the Delhi High Court order for continuing the demolition and sealing drive, ignoring the Bill passed by the two Houses.

Responding to the submissions made by the agitated members, Mr Pranab Mukherjee, Leader of the House and Defence Minister, said the government ''shared the concern'' of the members.

Acknowledging that the court order was not expected and uncalled for, the Minister had assured the members that the government would resolve it constitutionally and ''correct the aberrations which takes place sometimes, however, undesirable it may be.''

UNI