Delhi News: In a recent development, the Supreme Court of India has expressed its strong displeasure over the delay in notifying the Master Plan for Delhi (MPD) 2041. The court, in its order dated October 18, criticized the government and public authorities for not taking steps to prevent the harassment of citizens and allowing the city to deteriorate into an “utter mess.”
The bench of justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Sudhanshu Dhulia highlighted that the central government had committed to publishing the Master Plan by April 30, 2023, but was already five months behind schedule. The court accused public authorities of deliberately keeping everything in limbo to grant themselves unreasonable powers.
Supreme Court Expresses Displeasure Over Delay in Delhi Master Plan 2041
The court’s frustration was evident as it emphasized that the issue in the city stems from the inaction of public authorities, causing distress to the citizens. This observation came during a hearing in which the court considered two applications seeking orders to de-seal two premises on Rajesh Pilot Marg and Tilak Marg.
Alleges Authorities Keeping City in Limbo
It’s worth noting that a court-appointed judicial committee, consisting of two retired high court judges, had approved the de-sealing of the premises on Rajesh Pilot Marg in August last year. Additionally, a monitoring committee of experts assisting the court on the sealing of unauthorized constructions recommended de-sealing the other premises on Tilak Marg.
The New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) opposed the two orders, forcing the occupants to approach the Supreme Court for resolution.
The court had previously expressed concern over non-compliance with the law in Delhi, partly due to the absence of the new MPD and the blanket legal cover provided to unauthorized constructions under the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Second Amendment Bill, 2021. This bill offered protection from demolition and sealing for certain types of unauthorized constructions for three years. Such protections have been extended through ordinances and laws in 2007, 2009, 2014, and 2017.
The Supreme Court’s recent order highlights the pressing need for timely action and responsible governance in addressing the urban development and regulatory challenges faced by the city of Delhi.
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