MCD delegation meets Reddy; discuss sealing, demolition

New Delhi, May 13 (UNI) An MCD delegation today met Union Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy and handed over a memorandum suggesting remedial measures, including proper presentation of facts in the Supreme Court and implementation of the Vijay Malhotra Committee recommendations, to address issues of sealing and demolition in the national capital.

The delegation, led by Mayor Arti Mehra, said after reviewing the orders of the Apex Court on the issue it ''appeared'' that the Solicitor General could not place complete facts, based on an affidavit of the UD Ministry, Master Plan 2021 and other support documents.

''As, such actual facts could not be presented before the court, it is imperative that facts and the actual ground situation be presented before the court for review,'' Ms Mehra told reporters after the meeting at Mr Reddy's residence.

Clarifying that the MCD is giving permission for additional construction as per the 2021 Delhi Master Plan, the Mayor said confusion was being created that the civic body was using its discretion in this regard and the Court was not giving permission for a review petition.

''Therefore, the Ministry shall file a review petition explaining the detailed facts so that true facts could be brought to its notice,'' said the memorandum.

The delegation also discussed the notification of roads, regarding which it said, facts had not been place in the Supreme Court.

About the one-time Amnesty scheme, Ms Mehra said the recommendation of the Vijay Malhotra Committee shall be implemented.

''If the Scheme is approved by the Lok Sabha then a legal and acceptable scheme could be presented in the Supreme Court...it will definitely provide relief to the people of Delhi,'' the document said.

Regarding demolition, the memorandum said if a writ is not filed in the Delhi High Court before the expiry of protection granted to unauthorised constructions under the Delhi Laws (Special Provision) Act 2006, on May 18 , people will have to face devastating situation.

The Act was enforced from May 19, 2006 for a period of one year.

UNI