HC asks Delhi Govt to explain its consideration in surplus land

New Delhi, May 22 (UNI) The Delhi High Court today directed Delhi Government to explain as to what was their consideration in declaring the gram-sabha land in the Kanjhawla village (North West Village) as surplus, for the purpose of acquiring it.

A public interest litigation was filed by one Joginder Singh, a resident of Kanjhawla village, through his lawyer Anand Yadav in the court seeking its intervention to refrain the Government from acquiring the Gram-Sabha land in the village for constructing low cost residential flats.

Mr Yadav contended that the Gram-Sabha land in any village belonged to the villagers and was used for the purpose of developement including schools, colleges, dispensary and for other community related activities and the government had no power to acquire it.

The Delhi government had declared some portion of the gram-Sabha land as surplus and acquired it for residential purpoes which was illegal and contrary to the Rural Developement Programmes, Mr Yadav contended.

A Bench headed by Justice T S Thakur directed the Delhi Government lawyer to explain the procedure adopted by them to declare the Gram-Sabha land as 'surplus' which may be needed for future developement plans of the village.

Government lawyer Nazimi Waziri told the court that the government could take over any extra land in the village for the purpose of developement.

Mr Waziri said according to the master plan 2021, development was being carried out in such a way that there would be residential areas all over. Whenever the plan comes into force the entire Delhi will have the status of 'Residential Area'. There will be no agricultural area, Mr Waziri contented.

Arguments in the matter will continue on Friday.

UNI SNG RC CS2035