The Supreme Court on Monday strongly rebuked the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) over its handling of unauthorised construction in the capital, questioning whether the civic body was being influenced by private builders..The Bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh hinted at a possible Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, stating that illegal commercial buildings in Chandni Chowk and other areas appeared to have been permitted without proper oversight..“Is the corporation being run by the builder or…?” Justice Surya Kant remarked while scrutinising MCD’s claim that illegal construction had already been removed.The Court stressed that the issue required not only an on-site inspection by an expert team, but also a broader inquiry into the MCD’s actions. “There shall be a show cause as to why a deeper probe should not be ordered,” it stated..The MCD’s counsel informed the Court that demolition and sealing orders had been passed, attaching photographs as proof. However, the Court remained unconvinced. “Somebody files a PIL, and suddenly you wake up and start taking action?” Justice Kant asked, criticising the municipal body’s response. He also took issue with the Delhi High Court’s approach, remarking,“The High Court does not even allow the petitioners to say something and suddenly closes the matter based on your statement.”.To verify the MCD’s claims, the Court decided to constitute a team of independent engineers, architects and experts to inspect the site before taking further action. “We need independent persons who cannot be influenced by these people,” Justice Kant remarked. The Court stressed that if municipal officials were found complicit in permitting unauthorised construction, stricter action, including a CBI investigation, might follow..The matter will now be taken up after ten days, with the Supreme Court directing the independent inspection team to visit the site and submit a report. “Before we order the CBI investigation, we would like to send this team for inspection,” Justice Kant stated, reinforcing the Court’s intent to thoroughly examine MCD’s role in the issue before escalating the matter further..[Read Live Coverage].[Read Order]
The Supreme Court on Monday strongly rebuked the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) over its handling of unauthorised construction in the capital, questioning whether the civic body was being influenced by private builders..The Bench of Justices Surya Kant and N Kotiswar Singh hinted at a possible Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe, stating that illegal commercial buildings in Chandni Chowk and other areas appeared to have been permitted without proper oversight..“Is the corporation being run by the builder or…?” Justice Surya Kant remarked while scrutinising MCD’s claim that illegal construction had already been removed.The Court stressed that the issue required not only an on-site inspection by an expert team, but also a broader inquiry into the MCD’s actions. “There shall be a show cause as to why a deeper probe should not be ordered,” it stated..The MCD’s counsel informed the Court that demolition and sealing orders had been passed, attaching photographs as proof. However, the Court remained unconvinced. “Somebody files a PIL, and suddenly you wake up and start taking action?” Justice Kant asked, criticising the municipal body’s response. He also took issue with the Delhi High Court’s approach, remarking,“The High Court does not even allow the petitioners to say something and suddenly closes the matter based on your statement.”.To verify the MCD’s claims, the Court decided to constitute a team of independent engineers, architects and experts to inspect the site before taking further action. “We need independent persons who cannot be influenced by these people,” Justice Kant remarked. The Court stressed that if municipal officials were found complicit in permitting unauthorised construction, stricter action, including a CBI investigation, might follow..The matter will now be taken up after ten days, with the Supreme Court directing the independent inspection team to visit the site and submit a report. “Before we order the CBI investigation, we would like to send this team for inspection,” Justice Kant stated, reinforcing the Court’s intent to thoroughly examine MCD’s role in the issue before escalating the matter further..[Read Live Coverage].[Read Order]
