Traders yet to file affidavits in SC on sealing issue

New Delhi, Jan 28 (UNI) Over three lakh traders of Delhi, who were supposed to file affidavits of undertaking latest by January 31 as per the directions of Supreme Court to save their commercial premises from being sealed, have not filed even a single affidavit till now when only three days are left for them to comply with the directions of the apex court.

As per the September 29 Supreme Court orders, those traders who were protected by the two impugned notifications, dated September 7 and 15 last year, can continue to run their commercial establishments from residential areas in Delhi only if they file affidavits to the effect that they will cease their commercial activities if the two impugned notifications are invalidated by the court.

The MCD after having been reprimanded by the SC for seeking an extension till March 15 on behalf of the traders has decided to open its counters even on holidays to enable the traders to comply with the directions of the top court.

Traders do not seem to be inclined to file affidavits this time in the hope that the government will notify the new master plan-2021 before the deadline set by the SC.

The new master plan, which has already been approved by the Centre, Delhi Development Authority and Delhi government, permits mixed land use in residential areas of the metropolitan city and also paves the way for regularisation of over 1400 unauthorised colonies spread all over the city.

The sealing process is to be resumed from February 1 and the two applications moved by the Centre and the MCD for stay of the two orders dated September 29 and October 18, 2006 are coming up for a hearing on February 2.

The Centre through the two impugned notifications had permitted commercial activities along 2183 roads in the national capital.

The sealing in category A and B colonies (posh colonies) is to continue.

The new master plan, which is yet to be notified, also has provision for regularisation of illegal constructions and also permits the consturction of fourth floor.

The apex court has already made it clear that Parliament is not competent to make laws which are aimed at nullifying or upsetting the orders and directions of this court and rule of law is of paramount importance.

If the new master plan is notified, it remains to be seen whether it can be made effective with retrospective effect to save the traders. Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) have been totally neglected in the new master plan and they will have no say in the future road map for the development of the national capital.

UNI