‘Illegal construction still on at Sainik Farms’

Notice issued to Delhi Police, SDMC

The Delhi High Court on Friday sough a response from the civic body here on a public interest petition claiming continued unauthorised construction in the posh Sainik Farms in South Delhi.

Issuing a notice to the Delhi Police and the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), a Bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C. Hari Shankar asked them to file their replies on the issue.

Sealing and demolition

Non-government organisation Nyaya Manch has alleged that residents of the posh south Delhi colony were raising illegal constructions under the guise of undertaking repairs in collusion with the local police and municipal officials. It sought sealing and demolition of illegal constructions.

There is a blanket ban on construction activity in Sainik Farms since 2001, pursuant to a direction of the High Court.

Even entry of construction material in the area is banned and is supposed to be checked by the South Delhi civic body and the Delhi Police.

Criminal prosecution

The non-government organisation has urged the court to order prosecution of owners/ occupiers/ builders of unauthorised or illegal constructions, and initiation of departmental proceedings and criminal prosecution of the officials concerned.

Nyaya Manch also gave a list of 27 properties that have allegedly raised illegal constructions.

The court listed the matter for further hearing on March 19.