India

High Court Calls for Structural Reforms to Address Illegal Construction in Delhi, Transfers Investigation to CBI

The High Court has raised concerns over the rampant illegal construction occurring in the capital, emphasizing the need for structural reforms to address the issue. The bench, comprising Acting Chief Justice Manmohan Singh and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, criticized the inadequate response to illegal construction, highlighting the inefficacy of current sealing and demolition actions.

Call for Structural Reforms

The court directed the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to implement structural reforms to tackle the proliferation of illegal construction. It expressed dissatisfaction with the current approach, citing the use of rudimentary methods like tape and string for sealing buildings, which fail to yield substantial results.

Demand for Technological Solutions

The bench urged for the adoption of simple technologies like digital mapping to detect large-scale encroachments and illegal constructions effectively. It criticized the executive for being complacent with the status quo and failing to embrace technological advancements to address the issue.

Transfer of Investigation to CBI

In a significant move, the court transferred the investigation of an FIR filed by Delhi Police concerning unauthorized construction near the Nizamuddin Dargah and Baoli to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). It emphasized the need to investigate the roles of parties involved in illegal construction and fix administrative responsibilities accordingly.

Action on Public Interest Litigation

The court’s directives came during the hearing of a public interest litigation filed by Jamia Arabia Nizamia Welfare Education Society. The petition sought action against officials from various authorities, including the DDA and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI), for their failure to prevent unauthorized construction. The guest house in question was being constructed within 50 meters of centrally protected monuments, Barakhamba Tomb, and Nizamuddin Baoli.

With the court’s intervention and emphasis on technological solutions and accountability, there is hope for addressing the issue of illegal construction and preserving Delhi’s heritage sites.

Srushti Sharma

Recent Posts

PM Modi’s Vision Powers Up Uttar Pradesh: Adani To Build 1600 MW Plant In Mirzapur

Mirzapur in UP is set to become a major energy hub with the launch of…

1 hour ago

Ayushman Bharat Transformed India’s Healthcare: JP Nadda

Marking 11 years of the PM Modi government, JP Nadda hailed Ayushman Bharat for driving…

2 hours ago

Modi Govt Marks 11-Year Legacy With Celebratory Song Released By BJP

To commemorate 11 years of the Modi-led government, the BJP unveiled a celebratory song highlighting…

2 hours ago

Sonam Raghuvanshi Surrenders In Meghalaya Honeymoon Murder Case; Police Confirm Contract Killing Plot

Sonam Raghuvanshi, wife of slain businessman Raja Raghuvanshi, surrendered in Ghazipur under pressure, as confirmed…

3 hours ago

Amit Shah Hails 11 Years Of Modi Government As Era Of Transformation

Marking 11 years of governance, Amit Shah underlined the Modi government's transformational reforms in security…

4 hours ago

PM Modi Highlights 11 Years Of Seva, Governance, & Inclusive Transformation

PM Modi marked 11 years of NDA rule by highlighting achievements in governance, economic growth,…

5 hours ago