The Delhi High Court has ordered the Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Mehrauli in the national capital to promptly conduct the demarcation of farmland in Fatehpur Beri within a two-month period. This directive comes after a significant delay of seven years in fulfilling this obligation.
Justice Tushar Rao Gedela’s bench issued this directive in response to a writ petition filed by Vijay Uppal and Viney Uppal, who own a 2.5-acre farmland in Fatehpur Beri, Tehsil Mehrauli, Delhi. Concerned about potential encroachment by locals or land mafia, they brought attention to the prolonged delay in demarcating their land by the SDM Mehrauli, despite multiple applications submitted since 2016, with the latest one in January 2024 along with the required fee.
The petitioners’ counsel, Advocate Sumit Gehlot, emphasized that the authorities’ inaction regarding the demarcation was in violation of the Delhi Land Revenue Act, 1954, and the Delhi Land Revenue Rules, 1962. He expressed concerns that the delay could lead to unlawful encroachment by unauthorized parties, facilitated by the authorities’ neglect.
Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, acknowledging the urgency of the matter, directed the SDM Mehrauli to complete the demarcation within two months and furnish the report to the landowners within two weeks of completion. The court allowed the writ petition, recognizing the potential irreparable damages and injustice faced by the petitioners due to the prolonged negligence of the authorities.
The petitioners were represented by Advocates Sumit Gehlot and TS Thakran from Fidelegal Advocates and Solicitors.
