GoM decides to suspend sealing operation till SC's final verdict

New Delhi, Sep 25 (UNI) The Group of Ministers (GoM) today reviewed the situation arising out of the Supreme Court reserving its judgement on petitions challenging the notifications permitting mixed land use in about 2,200 residential colonies in the capital and decided to suspend sealing operation in view of the ongoing festive season.

''The meeting reviewed the arguments put by the government before the Supreme Court and also the arguments put forward by the other parties in the case. However, since the court has reserved its order, we have not taken any decision,'' Union Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy told mediapersons after the meeting.

Asked about the fate of sealing operations, Mr Reddy said that since the festive season was on with Dussehra, Diwali and Ramzan, additional forces would be required for maintaining law and order.

The police force was already stretched to the limit, so Delhi Police has expressed its inability to spare additional forces for the sealing operations. The Home Ministry would review the availability of forces.

''Therefore, the situation will continue as it is (means the sealing operationed remain suspended),'' Mr Reddy said.

''In the meantime, we have decided to wait for the final order of the Supreme Court,'' he said and hoped that the notification passed by the government was not interfered by the Apex Court.

Delhi Chief Minister Shiela Dikshit also said the sealing operations would remain suspended in view of the festival season.

She said the GoM would meet again on September 30 once the Supreme Court gives its verdict on Friday.

The GoM headed by Home Minister Shivraj Patil was formed to seek a solution to the crisis arising after the Supreme Court struck down provisions of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions). Its meeting was attended by Mr Patil, Mr Reddy, Social Justice and Empowerment Minister Meira Kumar, Minister of State for Urban Development Ajay Maken, Lt Governor of Delhi B L Joshi, Ms Dikshit, Delhi Police Commissioner K K Paul and other senior officials of ministries of home and urban development.

Meanwhile, the Supreme Court ... Eds: Here pick up from line one, para four of DI 69 Administration-Delhi sealing-GoM.

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