HC relief for Khan Market traders

Spelling a relief to shoppers and traders, the Delhi high court on Friday stayed the NDMC’s decision to charge money for parking vehicles at the posh at Khan Market from next week. HT reports.

Spelling a relief to shoppers and traders, the Delhi high court on Friday stayed the NDMC’s decision to charge money for parking vehicles at the posh at Khan Market from next week.

HT Image

The order came on a petition filed by traders in the market. It was being implemented as per an instruction of Environment Pollution Control Authority.

Justice S Muralidhar stayed the New Delhi Municipal Council’s (NDMC) decision till May 18, saying “let status quo be maintained till the next date of hearing”.

Lawyer Sanjiv Sachdeva, arguing for the traders questioned the rationale behind converting the free parking lots to paid ones.

“The decision is discriminatory as there are various areas in the NDMC zones, where free parking is still allowed,” he argued.

“The market complex is visited by high-profile clientele, comprising diplomats, politicians, judges, high government officials. As a result of that, the market is under constant scrutiny with regard to the facility and amenities available with the market,” the traders said, seeking quashing of the NDMC’s decision. They contended paid parking would encourage the parking mafia.

The court has asked the NDMC to come back to court with a full explanation of the rationale behind the decision to charge for parking.