The Hindu : New Delhi News : Centre for action against builder mafia

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Aug 04, 2006

New Delhi

New Delhi

Centre for action against builder mafia

Sujay Mehdudia

Stand before Supreme Court

NEW DELHI: Receiving flak from the Supreme Court for putting a blanket ban on the demolition and sealing exercise in the Capital and in turn helping the "big fish" who were indulging in blatant violations of building by-laws, the Union Urban Development Ministry is preparing to pave way for strict action against big defaulters and builder mafia.

According to highly placed sources, this view emerged during discussions between legal luminaries, Solicitor General, Additional Solicitor General and senior officials of the Union Urban Development Ministry on what stand the Government should take in the Supreme Court on August 11. It is learnt that these officials had also held consultations with Union Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy and his deputy Ajay Maken on the issue and it was felt that in view of the Apex Court also suggesting adoption of the middle path, it would be appropriate to press for implementation of the Tejinder Khanna Committee report points and not any other thing. Asserting that the Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act 2006 was not for a complete ban on demolitions and sealing exercise, the Ministry officials said a "serious note" had been taken of the massive construction indulged in by the builder mafia in connivance with the local politicians, MCD officials and the police. The Ministry has been given 10 days time by the Apex Court to file its reply on the issue.

Sources informed that apart from seeking stringent action against the builder mafia that had fraudulently indulged in massive violations, the Government would also press for action against big defaulters who have thrown all norms to the winds and constructed huge showrooms and shops in residential areas beyond permissible limits. "Our stand before the Court would be to close down all commercial activity in category A and B colonies of the Capital. We will not oppose closure of big showrooms, shops or any other commercial activity in such areas. We will strictly follow what has been suggested by the Tejinder Khanna Committee after taking feedback from all sections of society including residents welfare associations, trade associations, residents and other categories," a senior official remarked.

, The officials said the Government would also place before the Court that any building that is beyond the 15-metre height limit or has exceeded the four-storey norm should also be demolished.

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