Rs 1.7 crore fine for commercial use of residential plot

The Delhi High Court on Monday directed a person to pay Rs 1.7 crore for using a residential plot alloted by the Centre for commercial purposes. This is one of the highest fines imposed so far for the violation in the capital.

The Delhi High Court on Monday directed a person to pay Rs 1.7 crore for using a residential plot alloted by the Centre for commercial purposes. This is one of the highest fines imposed so far for the violation in the capital.

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The property, in Friends Colony, was leased out by the Centre to Savitri Devi for residential purposes in 1976, but she rented out the premises for commercial purposes over the years against the agreement.

Taking into consideration the commercial use of the premises, the Land and Development Office had claimed charge of around Rs 1.7 crore for misusing the premise between 1976 to 1992 and had levied a penalty of about Rs 16.8 lakh on her.

Aggrieved by the action, she approached the High Court whose single bench had granted relief to her but a Division Bench, headed by acting Chief Justice Madan B. Lokur, set aside the order and asked her legal representative to pay the charge and penalty.

She died during the pendency of the case.

“Looked at from the broad perspective before us, it is clear that Savitri Devi/East West Rescue Pvt. Ltd. (her legal representative) is obliged to pay the misuse charges demanded by the L&DO. In addition thereto, Savitri Devi is obliged to pay penalty as applicable to re-entered premises. The contention urged to the contrary on behalf of Savitri Devi must be rejected,” the court said.