Metro mall sealing: high court refuses to stop MCD

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to restrain the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) from sealing unauthorised constructions within the premises if Inderlok Metro station on the Green line.

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday refused to restrain the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) from sealing unauthorised constructions within the premises if Inderlok Metro station on the Green line.

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The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) had moved the court seeking a stay on the sealing action launched on Tuesday. The civic body had sealed a commercial complex, housing shops of reputed brands, contending that a private developer has constructed it without authorisation.

It sealed about 59 points at 47 entry gates to the complex, which had shops of well-known brands such as Raymonds, Comesum, Mcdonald's and Big Bazaar.

The MCD had said a show-cause notice, dated September 15, 2009, was issued to the firm on the grounds of carrying out unauthorised construction at the mall. It said in March this year, after giving several opportunities for personal hearing and considering the written submissions, a sealing order was issued.

The civic agency had said the private developer, which constructed the mall after an agreement with the DMRC, had violated rules as no sanction was taken under the building by-laws.

The MCD also said there was no dispute between it and the DMRC in this regard and that the “violations have been solely carried out by the private firm”.

However, the DMRC maintained that the shopping complex is part of an operational structure of DMRC and no permission is required from the civic authorities.