The Delhi High Court has dismissed a PIL and imposed costs of Rs 25,000, which sought directions to demolish alleged illegal and unauthorized construction in the Okhla Industrial area, citing insufficient preparation.
The decision was made after the concerned authority’s counsel informed the court that the necessary permissions had been granted to the property owner for the construction activities.
A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet PS Arora said, “In light of the fact that the current petition was filed without adequate preparation or investigation, this court dismisses the public interest petition and accompanying application. The costs of Rs 25,000 are to be paid equally to the respondents, namely MCD and DDA, within four weeks.”
The petition had urged the Delhi Municipal Corporation (MCD), Delhi Development Authority (DDA), and Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (DSIIDC) to demolish alleged illegal constructions by the owner of two properties in Okhla Industrial area.
The petitioner, a woman, argued that the land belonged to DSIIDC and claimed to have notified authorities about the unauthorized construction, urging legal action. However, no action was taken.
The MCD’s counsel presented a letter from DSIIDC granting permission to the owner for necessary construction work to strengthen the structure. Additionally, a building plan and a certificate issued by MCD for one of the properties were submitted.
Counsels for both MCD and DDA alleged that the petition was filed to defame the authorities and extract money.
