NEW DELHI: On Friday, the Supreme Court criticized unauthorized constructions in the Chandi Chowk area, despite an existing court ban, and instructed the Delhi Police to arrest anyone involved in such activities.
A bench comprising Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi instructed the Delhi Police commissioner to organize patrols in the area and to immediately halt illegal constructions.
“The Commissioner of Police must ensure a police team is deployed for regular patrolling and that all demolition orders issued by the MCD, which have not been stayed by the courts, are followed diligently. Any illegal constructions must be sealed immediately,” the bench stated.
A compliance report from the local Deputy Commissioner of Police is expected at the next hearing.
The bench emphasized that no residential properties should be converted into commercial ones, warning that any collusion between builders and municipal officials would be taken seriously.
“The police should send a patrol team each day, and anyone found adding even a brick must be arrested immediately. This is an ongoing fraud involving collusion with municipal officials, and it must end,” the bench declared.
Citing a case involving an elderly woman living on the ground floor of a residence, the bench noted that the second floor had been illegally converted to commercial space by the builder.
“Since 2022, this builder has been constructing on the property. The elderly woman has desperately sought help to stop the construction. Where have you been all along? Your actions only occur after we issue an order,” the bench remarked to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi’s counsel.
The bench insisted that authorities provide details regarding the builder and warned of potential penal actions against him.
After reviewing photographs of the area, the bench ordered, “Arrest those engaged in illegal construction. We will determine who might grant bail if they continue this behavior.”
It instructed the MCD to submit an inspection report of the area and comply with previous directives.
On May 23, the Supreme Court had directed the Delhi Police commissioner to deploy a team in Chandni Chowk to act against illegal constructions despite the ongoing ban.
This directive followed reports that unauthorized construction continued even after the court had issued orders halting the construction of commercial complexes and the demolition of residential buildings in the Fatehpuri area of Chandni Chowk.
The Supreme Court requested updates from the MCD regarding the actions taken against unauthorized constructions remaining in the area.
On May 13, the court had ordered a stay on converting residential properties into commercial complexes in relevant areas. Additionally, it permitted petitioners and interveners to document ongoing illegal construction through video or photography.
The Supreme Court was considering a plea from a petitioner who alleged ongoing illegal constructions in collaboration with civic authorities.
