HC pulls up SDMC over construction near historical site

The Delhi High Court today came down heavily on South Delhi Municipal Corporation and sought the presence of its officer and the SHO concerned over unauthorised construction at premises ordered to be sealed and demolished by Archaeological Survey of India (ASI).
"I am taking a serious view. Someone is pulling wool over our eyes. How can there be further unauthorised construction despite there being a sealing and demolition order," Justice Manmohan said.
He said "special care" should have been taken by the authorities to prevent any further unauthorised construction, near historical monument 'Gandak ki Baoli' at Mehrauli here, as the court was monitoring the issue.

Referring to pictures shown to him by petitioner Ashok Kumar Soni's counsel S C Singhal, Justice Manmohan said, "This is shocking. This is a massive construction. There are over 100 people here. You can't mobilise so many people overnight. Material must have come in trucks. What is the SHO of the area doing?"
"He (SHO of Mehrauli police station) is to personally appear before the court and also file an affidavit on the issue," the court said.
The judge also pulled up the AE concerned, who was present in the court, saying "if this is beyond your control, I will get another AE to do it" and also directed him to be present on the next date, July 7.

The order came while hearing the plea of Soni who had alleged that construction is taking place barely 300 metres from 'Gandak ki Baoli' and the same is prohibited under the law.
On his petition, the high court had directed the ASI to take appropriate action and the authority had ordered SDMC to seal and demolish the premises.
The court, which was monitoring the matter, had said that the demolition be carried out in accordance with law and for which police assistance be provided if required.