SC Issues Contempt Notice Against BJP MLA & Councillor For Obstructing Sealing

“Provide security to the monitoring committee so that they are in a position to carry out their duties even if the statutory authorities do not deem it appropriate to carry out their duty in accordance with law,” said Justice Madan B Lokur in a hard-hitting order.

Directing the Delhi Police to take action against violators without fear and being influenced in any manner even if the culprit is a big fish, the Supreme Court bench headed by Justice Madan B Lokur issued contempt notices to Delhi BJP MLA O P Sharma and the party’s municipal councilor Gunjan Gupta for obstructing sealing of unauthorized commercial units in North East Delhi's Shahdara.

Sharma and Gupta have been asked to be personally present in the court on March 6.

The bench also enquired from the DDA, corporations and Kejriwal government if any environment impact assessment had been carried out before suggesting amendments in the Delhi Master Plan 2021.

It is to be noted that on February 6, pulling up the Delhi Development Authority for planning to amend Master Plan of Delhi 2021 in its over enthusiasm to save traders from the ongoing sealing drive, the bench said the authorities have not learnt anything from the past tragedies and wondered whether the full form of DDA was Delhi Destruction Authority.

The DDA has recently proposed bringing uniform floor area ratio (FAR) for shop-cum-residence plots and complexes at par with residential plots, a move that would give respite to traders facing the threat of sealing.

 “Let the monitoring committee be provided proper security so that they are in a position to carry out their duties even if the state authorities do not deem it fit to carry out their duty in accordance with law,” ordered Justice Lokur.

The notices came after senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, assisting the court, informed the bench about the gathering that was called by Sharma and Gupta to allegedly stall the drive, which is taking place on the orders of the apex court.

 “Since the monitoring committee is functioning under the directions of this court, any interference in its functions will amount to contempt of court,” the bench said, accepting Kumar’s submission.

 “Why are you succumbing to pressure? You are not looking at the interests of a larger section of Delhi’s residents.Now you want to affect alteration in the Master Plan. Are you planning to destroy Delhi? DDA is becoming Delhi Destruction Authority You have not learnt anything from the Uphaar fire tragedy, the recent Kamala Mills incident in Mumbai, or the Bawana fire. Everybody in Delhi has kept their eyes shut. You are just waiting for something to happen..disaster to happen”, Justice Lokur  had said on January 6.