Centre moves SC, seeks relief for Delhi traders

The central government moved the Supreme Court today seeking relief for about 25,000 traders who have given undertakings to stop misuse of residential premises for commercial activities.

The application, filed by the urban development ministry before the apex court registry, also sought notifications of the apex court orders of September 29 and November 6.

In its application, the ministry asked the apex court to spare the traders who have given affidavits to stop the misuse of residential premises for commercial activities, and covered by the Septmeber 7 and 15 notifications, which allows trading activities in over 2,000 roads from the drive.

The ministry said the situation in which the earlier applications were heard and disposed off by the SC on November 6 were considerably different as those were heard in view of the law and order problem that had emerged after the three-day strike call given by the traders.

"The sealing activity is being conducted with full police and para-military protection. Several glaring offenders have already been sealed. It is also understood that some of the establishments who had given undertaking have already ceased misuse in compliance with the undertaking," the application said.