SC to Delhi govt: File affidavit regarding unauthorised colonies

New Delhi, Jun 19 (UNI) Taking serious view of the Centre's move to regularise 1400 unauthorised colonies in Delhi, without providing basic amenities like water, power and roads, the Supreme Court today directed the Delhi government to file an affidavit stating therein the steps being taken to provide basic infrastructure for resettlement colonies having a population over 25 lakh.

A vacation bench, comprising Justices Arijit Pasayat and G S Singhvi, issued the directions when the matter was mentioned by amicus curiae Ranjit Kumar, who contended before the court that Master Plan Delhi (MPD) 2021 was being examined by the apex court and the government was going to regularise 1400 unauthorised colonies without making any provisions for basic amenities like water, electricity, roads, schools and hospitals.

The apex court, while fixing July 7, the reopening day after vacations, for hearing the matter, directed the Delhi government to file an affidavit before the next date of hearing.

The apex court was examining MPD 2021, under which commercial activities being carried out from residential areas have been protected, bringing the sealing process in Delhi to a virtual halt.

UNI SC SKB HT1309