Delhi High Court Issues Notice On Suo Moto PIL Over Illegal Constructions And Encroachments In Okhla Industrial Area

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday issued notice on a suo moto public interest litigation registered over the issue of illegal constructions and encroachments of public land in city's Okhla industrial area.

A division bench comprising of Justice Manmohan and Justice Navin Chawla sought response of the Office of Lieutenant Governor of Delhi, South Delhi Municipal Corporation, Chairman of Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (DSIIDC) and Commissioner of Delhi Police.

The PIL Committee of the High Court had recommended that a letter dated 7th July 2017 from a private individual be treated as a Public Interest Litigation.

The said letter complaint of illegal constructions and encroachments on public lands in the area in question wherein it was stated that the same were not removed by the authorities despite judicial orders. It was also stated that the local citizens are facing issues due to illegal grabbing of public land and road.

Accordingly, the PIL committee had vide letter dated 11th October 2017 called for a report from Chief Law Officer from South Delhi Municipal Corporation.

"A report was received by PIL cell from Mr. Kumar, Executive Engineer, Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (DSIIDC) through email on 26th October 2021 in which it was stated that the concerned area i.e. Okhla Industrial Area Phase 2 was transferred to DSIIDC from SDMC after enactment of Delhi Industrial Development Operation and Maintenance Act, 2010," the Bench noted.

Furthermore, the Court also noted that in the minutes dated 22nd August 2014 of the meeting held under the chairmanship of LG, it was recorded that respective Delhi Municipal Corporations would take necessary steps for removal of encroachments from common areas in joint operation with DSIIDC and Delhi Police.

Based on the said minutes, DSIIDC had requested SDMC on multiple occasions for taking necessary action to combat unauthorised encroachment in the said industrial area.

"It was further stated that Tekhand village falls under the purview of Okhla Phase 1 which is presently not under the control and maintenance of DSIIDC and their office maintains merely the internal roads of Okhla Phase 3 industrial area and is not tasked with the maintenance of main roads on which DTC buses ply," the Court noted further.

Accordingly, issuing notice on the PIL, the Court posted the matter for further hearing on March 24.

Title: COURT ON ITS OWN MOTION Vs. GOVT. OF NCT OF DELHI AND ORS