The Delhi High Court today directed the Centre and the city government to take a decision within a month on whether to regularise or demolish unauthorised constructions in Sainik Farms here, saying the matter cannot go on "endlessly".
A bench of justices Badar Durrez Ahmed and Sanjeev Sachdeva directed the Delhi government to forward to the Ministry of Urban Development (MoUD), within two weeks, a concrete proposal on regularisation or otherwise of Sainik Farms area in south Delhi.
"MoUD will give its view on said proposal in two weeks thereafter," the court ordered saying the matter cannot go on "endlessly" and listed the matter for further hearing on August 19.
The bench issued the directions after MoUD, represented by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Sanjay Jain and advocate Anurag Ahluwalia, said it held several meetings with all stakeholders on regularisation of unauthorised colonies inhabited by affluent people and in one such meeting Delhi government had said it would frame regulations for the same.
MoUD, in its affidavit, also told the court that thereafter, in another meeting the city government was asked to expedite amendment of Regulations of 2008 pertaining to regularisation of unauthorised colonies and subsequently, reminders were also sent.
It said that on July 1, Delhi government said it would take three more months to "concretise" amendment of the regulations and forward it to MoUD.
Referring to this three month requirement, the bench said "it is typical red tape".
Delhi government also submitted an affidavit through its counsel Raman Duggal seeking four more months to submit a report as sought by the court with regard to extent of illegal or unauthorised construction in Sainik Farms from February 8, 2007.
The bench, however, refused to grant the amount of time sought by Delhi government, saying the court can take a decision in much less time if the government cannot.
