Take action against encroachers: HC

The Delhi high court has directed the Delhi Police, traffic police and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to take immediate action against road encroachers in Jangpura, Bhogal, Pant Nagar and parts of Defence Colony in south Delhi. Harish V Nair reports.

The Delhi high court has directed the Delhi Police, traffic police and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to take immediate action against road encroachers in Jangpura, Bhogal, Pant Nagar and parts of Defence Colony in south Delhi.

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The order issued on Friday came on contempt petitions filed by the Jangpura Residents’ Welfare Association and Flyover Complex Welfare Association against the civic bodies for not complying with the repeated directions of the court since 2002.

The court found that second-hand car dealers and auto workshops on both sides of Defence Colony Flyover and some tent house dealers in Jangpura were the biggest culprits. “If law enforcement authorities find breach of the court order, action shall be taken against the persons concerned and they shall be booked immediately. Action under the Delhi Municipal Act and Delhi Police Act may also be taken,” said Justice Vipin Sanghi.

Lawyer RK Saini, arguing for Jangpura RWA president Monu Chadha, contended that Hospital Road in Jangpura was full of encroachments and 75% of the footpaths were occupied by motor workshops, dhabas and those who illegally parked their vehicles. He alleged that tent houses and taxi operators were the other main culprits.
Justice Sanghi said the president and secretary of petitioner RWAs must be given the contact numbers of SHO of the police station, ACP (traffic) and MCD deputy commissioner of the area.

“The office-bearers of RWAs shall follow-up their telephonic complaint in writing too,” the court said, asking the Delhi Police and MCD to file a status report on the action taken against encroachers on February 16, 2012, the next date of hearing.