CBI could probe unauthorised constructions at Sainik Farms

No construction is allowed in the unauthorised south Delhi residential colony — home to the Delhi’s rich and influential — since the court passed the order over 15 years ago.

Taking a grim view of “rampant unauthorised construction” in Sainik Farms in violation of a 2001 ban and right under the noses of the authorities, the Delhi high court on Wednesday asked the CBI if it could probe the matter.

A preliminary CBI enquiry into unauthorised construction in the Neb Sarai, Freedom Fighters Colony, Paryavaran Complex and Mehrauli areas of south Delhi was ordered in February. (HT File photo)

No construction is allowed in the unauthorised south Delhi residential colony — home to the city’s rich and influential — since the court passed the order over 15 years ago. Even the entry of construction material is banned, with the south Delhi municipal corporation (SDMC) and south Delhi police given the task of keeping a check.

“Despite clear directions concerning Sainik Farms… rampant unauthorised construction continues unabated. People were deployed, yet building continues without legal sanction,” a bench comprising justice BD Ahmed and justice Sanjeev Sachdeva said.

Citing the SDMC’s own admission that 700 properties had come up in the area since 2007, the court directed the SDMC and police to submit a list of officials deputed in the area after January 2001.

One of the petitioners suggested over 1.40 lakh trucks must have entered and exited Sainik Farms since 2007.

The court noted with irritation that the SDMC had nothing to show save for the prosecution of a few civic officials and some “demolition action in a pick-and-choose manner”.

The same bench had in February ordered a preliminary CBI enquiry into unauthorised construction in the Neb Sarai, Freedom Fighters Colony, Paryavaran Complex and Mehrauli areas of south Delhi.

On Tuesday, it asked the agency if a preliminary enquiry could also be made in the case of Sainik Farms, and posted the matter for hearing on May 15.

It also issued notices to the Sainik Farms Road Development Committee and two other registered associations who are allegedly collecting money from commercial vehicles carrying construction material into the area. “The secretaries of each of these associations will give details of funds collected since 2007,” the court ordered.