The Hindu : New Delhi News : L-G directive to civic body over sealing drive

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Wednesday, May 14, 2008
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L-G directive to civic body over sealing drive

Staff Reporter

MCD asked to issue 48-hour notice to property owners

‘MCD Committee had passed a resolution at its last meeting proposing the 48-hour notice’
‘A notice be pasted at the appropriate place on the property concerned’

NEW DELHI: The Lieutenant-Governor of Delhi, Tejendra Khanna, has directed the Municipal Corporation to issue a 48-hour notice before sealing any property in the Capital and also allow use of basements in new buildings as per rules subject to submission of affidavits. The L-G took the decision after being apprised of the issue by senior members of the MCD who had called on him on Tuesday.

The Delhi Mayor, Arti Mehra, informed Mr. Khanna that the MCD Standing Committee had passed a resolution at its last meeting proposing the 48-hour notice. “Natural justice demands that the property owner or occupier is given reasonable time to show his papers, documents and clarifications,” added Ms. Mehra. The Mayor also said that the L-G had agreed in principle that the 48-hour notice be made mandatory. “He was of the opinion that a notice be pasted at the appropriate place on the property concerned, conveying the MCD’s intent to seal it. The notice should also inform that the property is being misused and whether the owner or occupier has anything to say in his defence within the next 48 hours,” she added. Mr. Khanna also directed the civic body to make additional arrangement of staff to examine the replies of property owners. “If there is any merit in the case, the property should not be sealed. An opportunity should be given to the property owner to defend his claims before the property is finally sealed,” he added. The L-G was also of the view that with modern safety and fire-fighting measures available, use of basements should be allowed as per rules. The MCD delegation also expressed concern over the fact that properties were not being de-sealed even after misuse had been stopped.

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