SC clears decks for desealing of 105 godowns in Chandni Chowk

New Delhi, May 22 (UNI) The Supreme Court today cleared the decks for desealing of 105 godowns owned by transporters in Chandni Chowk area of walled city in Delhi.

The step of the apex court came in the wake of the new law enacted by the Union Government to save the residents of Delhi from emolition and sealing ordered by the courts , including the Supreme Court.

A vacation bench comprising Mr. Justices Arijit Pasayat and R.V. Raveendran stayed the impugned order of the Delhi High Court dated May 5 directing the members of the petitioner Delhi Goods Transporters Associations to give affidavits of undertaking before desealing their godowns.

The apex court said that no affidavit was needed.

The godowns were sealed under the High Court orders to decongest the area while on May 5 the apex court directed desealing of the godowns. A similar petition was being heard in the High Court where they agreed to file an affidavit of undertaking.

The Supreme Court today ordered the desealing of 105 godowns without any affidavit of undertaking.

Delhi Laws ( Special provisions) Act 2006 notified by the Union Government on Friday had imposed a moratorium for one year against sealing and demolition of unauthorised constructions which have come up to Jan. 1, 2006 and also removal of slums and JJ Clusters has been stayed for one year.

It is a second major victory for traders and builder mafia of Delhi. The new Delhi Rent Control Act passed about a decade ago by both Houses of Parliament and having been given Presidential assent has not been notified till date by the government under pressure from the traders lobby as most of the traders in Delhi have virtually become owners of their rented shops.

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