Delhi: illegal construction under court lens

Delhi High Court has questioned the failure of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) in demolishing the unauthorised construction near Rai Pithora Fort in Mehrauli, despite an earlier order. Harish V Nair reports.

Delhi High Court has questioned the failure of the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) in demolishing the unauthorised construction near Rai Pithora Fort in Mehrauli, despite an earlier order.

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The construction was within 100 metres of the protected monument which is prohibited. “Ensure that demolition action is carried out immediately,” a bench of acting chief justice BD Ahmed told the lawyer for South Delhi Municipal Corporation after admitting a PIL on the issue. The civic agency informed the court that property for demolition had been marked.

KC Mittal, the lawyer for the petitioner, told the court that “local builder mafia continued construction on the land despite a clear order by the court on March 15 to remove the illegal construction.’’

Mittal claimed that SDMC remained a mute spectator and refused to take action even as the Delhi Ancient and Historical Monuments and Archaeological Sites Act prohibits such constructions.

The SDMC was to submit a report by April 23 after demolishing the structure. The court had also directed that police protection be provided to the people who take part in the demolition.