Delhi HC restrains govt from taking action against marble traders

In a major relief to marble traders operating in a west Delhi area, the Delhi high court has restrained the city government from evicting them from their premises.

The Public Work Department (PWD) sought to acquire the plots on the ground that the occupation of land by these traders was illegal as no prior sanction had been obtained by them from the Delhi Development Provisional Authority (DDPA).

It also submitted that illegal occupation of the land by the traders had held up the expansion of the Ring Road and was causing inconvenience to the commuters.

The court, however, was not satisfied by the PWD's contention and restrained them from taking any action against the traders.

"Respondents (government and civic agencies) shall not remove the petitioners' shops and structures located in Block C-1, Rajouri Garden, New Delhi or in any manner interfere with the possession...," Justice S Murlidhar said.

The court passed the order on a petition filed by 17 traders of Rajouri Garden seeking a direction to restrain PWD and Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi from removing their marble shops located on the plots.

The traders contended that they had purchased the plots from DLF through registered sale deeds and they cannot be forced to vacate the premises.