File affidavits for relocation:HC to Panchkuian road shopkeepers

New Delhi, Sep 4 (UNI) The Delhi High Court today directed the shopkeepers of Panchkuian Road, who have been evacuated by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation(DMRC), to file their affidavits of willingness if they want an alternate shop at Bhai Veer Singh Marg (near Gol Dak Khana) as part of the relocation plan of DMRC.

A bench comprising Justices Mukul Mudgal and Manmohan ordered all the shopkeepers who want to shift to the alternate site to file their affidavits by September 8. The remaining appeals would be taken up later.

The shopkeepers of Panchkuian Road were evacuated for the purpose of beautification of the city and they want that their shops should not be removed as their is enough place for smooth traffic flow.

Senior Solicitor Arun Jaitley and Pushkar Sood, appearing for DMRC, contended before the court that they want more land for road widening, service lane and foot path to connect the road from Connaught place to West Delhi.

Mr Jaitley said though the shops were built on the MCD land and the shopkeepers only have lease hold rights, they should shift to other rehablitation site and let the developement work go on.

The senior lawyer further said they have a site at Bhai Veer Singh Marg of 21403.2 sq meters consisting of 206 shops. The shops were built in 2006 and were ready for use. All those shopkeepers who were willing can shift there, others can be relocated elsewhere, he said.

UNI SNG JT AS1821