The Hindu : New Delhi News : MCD Commissioner issued notice of contempt by Assembly

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Friday, Dec 23, 2005

New Delhi

New Delhi

MCD Commissioner issued notice of contempt by Assembly

Staff Reporter

For failure to implement the resolution seeking an end to the ongoing demolition drive

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Assembly and the Municipal Corporation of Delhi were headed for a confrontation on Thursday with the Speaker, Chaudhary Prem Singh, issuing a "breach of privilege contempt notice" to the Municipal Commissioner for failure to implement the resolution passed by the House seeking an end to the ongoing demolition drive across the Capital. The Commissioner has been asked to reply to the notice by 2 p.m. on Friday when the House re-assembles for the last sitting of its current session.

The breach of privilege notice for contempt of the House was given by Mukesh Sharma (Congress). He pleaded that the MCD Commissioner did not follow the resolution passed by the Delhi Assembly and the directions given by it. He argued that the Constitution had given supreme powers to the legislature for welfare of the people and MCD was bound to follow the decision of the House. "Therefore, I request you to take appropriate action in this connection in view of the breach of privilege so that Constitution, rule and regulation is honoured and people are saved from the harassment where ultimately only people rule and all other wings of the State follow the spirit of the Constitution."

Giving his ruling on the notice, Mr. Prem Singh said he had admitted the notice given by Mr. Sharma and the same had been sent to the MCD Commissioner for comments. "The Commissioner has been asked to file his reply by 2 p.m. on Friday before the House convenes for the day so that the Assembly is informed about his stand and further action is considered," Mr. Prem Singh added.

Meanwhile, asserting that it was not possible to stop demolitions at this moment as the Municipal Corporation of Delhi had got directions for this from the Delhi High Court, Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit on Thursday said directions had been issued to MCD to identify and prepare a list of corrupt officers and initiate strict action against them.

Making a suo motu statement in the Assembly, Ms. Dikshit said MCD was created under an Act of Parliament and it did not function under the Delhi Government. The MCD had been sent the resolution passed by the Delhi Assembly on Tuesday indicating the sentiments of the House on the issue of demolitions across the Capital. The Chief Minister said already instructions had been issued to the Corporation officials that they should only take up first demolition of ongoing illegal constructions and encroachments on Government land. The MCD had also been asked to approach the High Court for relief and extension of time for removal of the 18,000-odd illegal constructions that had been identified so far.

Ms. Dikshit said certain steps had been taken to mitigate the fear in the minds of the people and ensure that no harassment takes place.

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