Supreme Court Warns MCD Over Illegal Conversions in Chandni Chowk
The Supreme Court of India has pulled up the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for allowing the illegal conversion of residential homes into commercial complexes in the Chandni Chowk area.
The top court issued a stern warning on Tuesday, threatening criminal contempt proceedings against municipal officials if such unauthorised developments continue. “No further construction to convert residential houses into commercial complexes should be allowed,” a bench of Justice Surya Kant and Justice NK Singh said. The court cautioned that any continued violations would be interpreted as collusion between MCD officials and builders. The bench was hearing a plea on rampant illegal constructions in Chandni Chowk. While the MCD claimed the disputed structures were part of “old construction,” Justice Kant responded sharply, stating, “Entire residential area has been converted into a commercial project… and you still say it is an old construction?”
When the counsel attempted to question the petitioner’s citizenship, Justice Kant rebuked the argument, saying, “If she is not an Indian citizen, you can do anything? Thousands of citizens are silently bearing the brunt… technical objections aren’t going to work.” The court expressed serious concern over MCD’s inaction, pointing out that demolitions and new constructions have been occurring unchecked since February. “Residential houses have been demolished, your blind eyes don’t see,” the bench remarked. Given that the MCD has not yet submitted a report on the ongoing illegal constructions, the court granted it one week to do so. Additionally, the bench directed the petitioner to submit names of eminent engineers and architects to form a Joint Inspection Committee to examine the extent of violations. The list must be filed within two weeks.
The matter is now posted for next hearing on May 23, with the apex court making it clear that compliance will be closely monitored.