The Hindu : New Delhi News : Panel to study suspension of drive

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Feb 03, 2008
ePaper | Mobile/PDA Version

New Delhi

New Delhi

Panel to study suspension of drive

New Delhi: The Supreme Court-appointed committee on sealing on Saturday said it would study the Government’s direction to suspend action against encroachment and illegal constructions in the national Capital.

The three-member committee will soon meet to see under what provisions the Government have issued the directions to suspend sealing and demolition of structures that came up before December 31, 2005, sources said.

The members want to see what is in the notification brought out by Union Urban Development Ministry on Friday and on what basis it was issued, they said.

The members are of the view that they will go by what the court says on the matter, they added. The Centre’s direction, which will be available till December 31, 2008, will result in the suspension of the ongoing action against unauthorised structures, including the demolition of illegal fourth and fifth floors of residential buildings.

The move is an effort to not let the sealing and demolition drives hamper the ruling Congress’ prospects in the Assembly polls slated later this year.

The Congress Government in the Capital has been facing a staunch attack from the Opposition BJP over the sealing and demolition drives.

The party was also ousted from power in the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) last year, and the sealing and demolition drives were seen as a major factor in the civic elections.

The ruling party, apparently is keen not to have a repeat of the MCD election results in the Assembly polls scheduled to be held later this year. PTI

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

New Delhi