SC verdict tomorrow on the fate of sealing in Delhi

New Delhi, Sep 28 (UNI) The Supreme Court will deliver its judgment tomorrow regarding the fate of two impugned notifications issued by the Union Government and the Delhi state government permitting mixed land use along about 2200 roads in Delhi.

A bench headed by Chief Justice Y K Sabharwal had indicated that it will give its verdict regarding staying the impugned notifications before Dussehra holidays and tomorrow is the last working day in the apex court and it will reopen on Oct. 9,2006.

During the hearing the court had reprimanded the central government for trying to scuttle the apex court orders through such notifications which have been issued by the government without applying its mind.

The court was also informed that the government was in the process of identifying and permitting commercial activities on 2000 additional roads bringing the total up to 4200.

The MCD has already put on hold the sealing of commercial premises in residential areas till Sept. 30 awaiting the apex court ruling.

The court is also insisting on complaince of undertakings given by 40814 traders to the apex court that they would stop the misuse by June 30,2006 but the time was extended by the top court till Sept. 15,2006. Resealing was to be resumed from Sept. 16 which was, however not resumed following issuance of two impugned notifications .

Residents Welfare Associations are opposing the Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act 2006 putting one year's moratorium against sealing of commercial establishments operating from residential areas in violation of the city's master Plan and had also put on hold removal of illegal constructions in the city for one year and there was a sudden spurt in illegal constructions in Delhi. The government had fixed Dec. 31,2005 as cut off date.

According to the petitioners the government was protecting and shielding the law breakers through these notifications and laws at the cost of law abiding citizens.

Four persons had lost their lives in police action in Seelampur in East Delhi on Sept. 20 when Delhi Bandh called by traders turned violent.

UNI AKS/SC RP KN1927