Special Parliament session may discuss sealing

NEW DELHI: As violence over sealing of commercial establishments claimed two lives in the capital, the Government on Wednesday said it could even call a special session of Parliament to sort out the problem but declared the notification giving relief to traders was valid.

 

After a meeting of the Delhi Congress Coordination Committee, Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy said the government would fight the people's cause both in Parliament and outside contending that lawmaking was government's prerogative and not the court's.

 

As the traders' bandh turned violent in many parts of the capital, the Congress felt the heat and immediately called a meeting of party leaders in which besides Reddy, Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit, Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee Chief Rambabu Sharma, All-India Congress Committee in-charge of Delhi affairs Ashok Gehlot, Minister of State for Urban Development Ajay Maken were present among others.

 

Under the notification issued amending the Delhi Masterplan 2001, the government gave relief to 98 per cent of those affected by allowing mixed land use.

 

"We are firm on the notification and we will fight. We have the right to pass laws and not the courts… if required we will amend the Constitution," Reddy said, adding that a special session of Parliament could be called.

 

He said all the parties have expressed concern over the issue and have supported the law. He appealed to all not to politicise the issue.