No respite for illegal constructions and encroachments in Okhla Village. This after the Supreme Court on Wednesday directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to take action against illegal structures in Okhla.
A bench of Justices Abhay S Oka and Ujjal Bhuyan asked the authority to file a compliance affidavit within three months. “We direct DDA to take action of demolition in accordance with law in respect of the unauthorised structures in the area of 2 bighas and 10 biswas. We make it clear that when we say due process of law, before demolition of any structure at least 15 days notice shall be served upon the concerned persons,” the bench said.
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The Supreme Court observed of the total 3 bighas and 8 biswas, which was not handed over to DDA, an area of 1 bigha and 8 biswas fell inside the boundary covered by PM-UDAY scheme and the remaining was outside the scheme’s purview.
“We direct the state government to take action of demolition of illegal structures in relation to the area out of area of 3 bigha 8 biswas which is not covered by PM-UDAY scheme in accordance with law,” it said, reported news agency PTI.
The apex court was hearing a contempt plea against violation of its 2018 directions against rampant encroachment and legal constructions in public lands in Delhi.
The SC said concerned persons must be served a 15-day notice before any demolition is carried out, and persons who receive demolition notices are free to take legal steps in accordance with law.
“When we say due process of law we make it clear that 15 days advance notice shall be served on all concerned persons before taking action of demolition. Both DDA and state government to file compliance affidavits within 3 months. Those occupiers who are aggrieved with the notices of demolition are free to adopt proceedings in accordance with law”, it said.
The court had observed that construction norms were not being applied to these areas, which led to unauthorised colonies being treated more favourably than authorised ones. The court had directed a complete halt on construction activities in unauthorised colonies and on public land and had formed a Task Force to monitor compliance, reported Live Law.
The news of the order of demolition of illegal structures is making the rounds, with residents actively discussing it. The development follows recent demolitions in Taimur Nagar and Khizrabad — both neighborhoods adjacent to Zakir Nagar. Residents are gripped by fear, uncertain whose property will be next, as the entire area is unauthorised and located near the Yamuna River, said one activist.
The DDA had begun its demolition drive to clear unauthorised houses built along a critical drainage line on Monday, following orders from the Delhi High Court. Officials involved in the demolition drive said around 100 structures were removed under heavy police deployment, and the operation is expected to be completed within two more days. They added that the clearance will allow agencies to clean the drain and restore proper flow.
“We have been living here for so many years… and now that we are being removed from here, we are not getting anything in return. I understand that the drain needs to be cleaned, but at least they should have given us somewhere to live,” said Vaid, who works as a cleaner at a nearby Sarvodaya Vidyalaya. His home is one of 100 structures on the banks of the Taimoor Nagar drain that were demolished on court order.
