Delhi high court directs police on situation in Chandni Chowk

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday ordered the police to take necessary steps to prevent law and order disturbance in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk area in the wake of a drive to remove illegal encroachments.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday ordered the police to take necessary steps to prevent law and order disturbance in Delhi’s Chandni Chowk area in the wake of a drive to remove illegal encroachments.

A drive was undertaken by the North Delhi Municipal Corporation after a March 28 court orders for the removal of illegal encroachments, including illegal religious structures, in Chandni Chowk within two weeks. (Sanchit Khanna/HT Photo)

A bench of justice S Murlidhar and justice Vibhu Bakhru asked for a status report from the police on the situation in the area.

The drive was undertaken by the North Delhi Municipal Corporation after the March 28 court orders for the removal of illegal encroachments, including illegal religious structures, in Chandni Chowk within two weeks.

The HC order came after Chandni Chowk Vyapar Mandal (CCVM) on Wednesday made an urgent mention before the court regarding the disturbance in the area.

The CCVM’s counsel said that an unruly mob resorted to stone-pelting in reaction to the NDMC’s demolition drive.

“This is a serious situation. Call for record of police and MCD and protection to Bhargav and his shop, which has sustained some damage,” the counsel said.

After the counsel sought protection to a shop and its owner, the police assured the bench that the area additional commissioner of police has been instructed to protect him and the shop.

The HC has posted the matter for further hearing on Thursday.