The Supreme Court on Tuesday stayed the demolition of residential and commercial properties in the Fatehpuri area of Chandni Chowk, New Delhi, sharply criticising the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for its failure to curb illegal construction activities.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh, while hearing a petition, reprimanded the MCD after examining photographic evidence submitted by an intervenor, which showed ongoing unauthorised construction of commercial complexes. The bench directed the MCD to file a comprehensive status report on the issue, warning that failure to comply could lead to contempt proceedings or an inference of collusion with the builders.
“Meanwhile, demolition of residential buildings and construction and conversion of commercial complexes are stayed,” the court ordered.
The MCD, through its counsel, submitted that inspections had been carried out and a report had been prepared, but it could not be submitted earlier due to court holidays. The counsel also assured the bench that illegal constructions identified during inspections had been removed.
However, dissatisfied with the MCD’s account, the bench requested the petitioner to propose names of independent architects and civil engineers who could conduct a neutral inspection of the site and file an independent report. “We want independent inspection of the site as we are not able to rely upon the report of the MCD officials,” the bench remarked. The matter has now been posted for further hearing on May 23.
The hearing also revisited concerns first flagged on February 17, when the Supreme Court had considered ordering a CBI probe into the alleged illegal construction activities and the MCD’s inaction in the bustling Chandni Chowk area. The top court had then expressed strong concern over the civic body’s inability to prevent unauthorised developments.
The MCD maintained that the unauthorised structures had been removed following the Delhi High Court’s directions, where related matters remain pending. The current petitioner has challenged two orders of the Delhi High Court, including one regarding unauthorised construction at Bagh Deewar, Fatehpuri, which was earlier disposed of based on MCD’s assurances.
