MCD extends suspension of sealing drive till Sept 30

Verdict expected by September 29.

The Supreme Court will pronounce by September 29 its verdict on the issue of staying the government’s controversial notification of September 7 providing relief to traders by allowing commercial activities in the residential areas of the national capital.

After a marathon three-hour of hearing, a Bench headed by Chief Justice Y K Sabharwal, reserved its order and expressed disapproval over the manner in which notifications were issued after the court orders on the issue.

“The orders of the court would not be modified automatically by the notifications,” the Bench, also comprising Justices C K Thakker and R V Raveendran, said referring to the government’s notifications since its February 16 verdict holding that Municipal Corporation had the powers to seal illegal commercial premises in residential areas.

Referring to various other contentious issues which Delhi witnessed in past years like shifting of hazardous industries, unauthorised construction, conversion to CNG, the Bench said “Each time, the utmost resistance comes from those who have to implement the law.”

Meanwhile, the MCD decided to extend the suspension of its sealing and demolition drive in the capital till September 30 as additional police forces were not available to provide security for its staff. “Delhi police has intimated us that they would not be able to provide additional security in view of the law and order situation and the festive season,” an official spokesperson said.

Four persons were killed, three of them in police firing, and scores of people including security personnel were injured as a traders’ bandh against MCD’s sealing drive on September 20 turned violent in many parts of the capital.

Traders meanwhile remain confused. “We will continue to protest. The Supreme Court has disappointed us. It needs to realise that they cannot deprive us out of our livelihood. There are no alternatives. In malls, the going rate is above Rs35000 per square metre. How can we buy shops that will cost Rs 3 crores?” asks Jitender Sharma, from South extension.

Kishore Gupta is a wholesaler in Delhi’s Lajpat Nagar market. On Monday evening, he looked dazed and confused. If sealings continue as per the SC order he stands to lose more than 50-60 lakhs in the next few days. “I have shifted 80% of my stuff to a warehouse. This is the busiest season in the year for me and instead I am making losses.”