Illegal, claims MCD. Legal, replies Metro

On Tuesday, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) sealed the premises of Inderlok Metro Mall in North Delhi for carrying out unauthorised construction.

On Tuesday, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) sealed the premises of Inderlok Metro Mall in North Delhi for carrying out unauthorised construction.

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Around 10 am on Tuesday, a sealing squad from the Sadar Paharganj zone sealed the outlets of Comesum, Doeacc Society, Big Bazaar, a PNB ATM, McDonalds and Raymond.

Other malls to be targeted
Some other such metro malls, such as those at Netaji Subhash Place, Kashmiri Gate, Tees Hazari and Rohini are also likely to face similar action.

“These complexes have come up without the requisite permission from us. Getting building plans sanctioned is a prerequisite and we will take action on other malls too,” said a senior MCD official.

Inderlok Mall
The mall, built by Parsvnath in 2004, is inside the Inderlok metro station and was given on lease by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).

“Before constructing the mall, they were supposed get the building plan sanctioned, which is mandatory under building byelaws. The DMRC has been given permission by the Union Development Ministry to use the stations for commercial activities but nowhere has it been stated that they will not take permission to construct it,” said Renu Krishnan Jagdev, deputy commissioner of the Sadar Pahar Ganj zone. The sealing orders were issued on March 3.

“The mall will remain closed till August when the next hearing in the case takes place,” she further said.
Despite repeated attempts, Parsvnath developers chairman Pradeep Jain could not be contacted.

No prior permission required: DMRC
The DMRC says since the complex at Inderlok is part of an operational DMRC structure, no prior permission is needed.
“We carry out property development to raise alternate sources of revenue without which metro fares would have to be raised,” said a senior DMRC official.

He further added that the DMRC is permitted to undertake such activities including leasing, concessions etc. without any restrictive condition as per the Group of Ministers and Ministry of Urban Development’s approval.

DMRC Managing Director E. Sreedharan has written to MCD commissioner K.S. Mehra to deseal the properties claiming that the issue was taken up before the Appellate Tribunal wherein it was decided that the MCD should not take any sealing action.