SC will examine the validity of Delhi law

NEW DELHI: Concerned with safeguarding its directions from being circumvented by a new law, the Supreme Court on Tuesday said it would thoroughly examine the validity of the controversial Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act 2006, putting a year's moratorium against the removal of unauthorised constructions.

The law enacted by Parliament also suspended action against commercial establishments operating from residential areas in the national capital.

A Bench of Chief Justice YK Sabharwal and Justices CK Thakkar and PK Balasubramanyan said the court would take a "middle path".

When Solicitor General Goolam E Vahanvati said the law had been enacted with the unanimous vote of Parliament, the court remarked, "We are not concerned with the unanimity in Parliament. We will examine the constitutional validity of the Act; there are many Acts which have been passed unanimously."

At an earlier hearing, the Judges had castigated the government for its inertia in pulling down the unauthorised and illegal structures.