Delhi HC seeks government response over illegal encroachment on ‘heritage properties’ in Chandni Chowk
Last Updated on September 29, 2023 by News Desk
The Delhi High Court has issued a notice seeking the government’s response to a public interest litigation claiming illegal encroachment by traders on various heritage properties in Chandni Chowk.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Sanjeev Narula was hearing the PIL seeking eviction of traders carrying out illegal encroachment, filed by a local resident of Chandni Chowk named Sanjay Kumar Vashist, alleging the encroachment. The court sought a response from the Union Ministry of Culture, Archaeological Survey of India, National Monuments Authority, Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation, Heritage Conservation Committee, and Delhi Development Authority.
As per the live law report, The Advocates Indira Goswami, Sumit Mishra, Anamika and Sitwat Nabi appearing for the petitioner brought to the notice of the court that properties situated at Chah Rahat in the Vakilpura area were declared as heritage properties as per the 2016 notification issued in the form of haveli. He alleged that the traders had been encroaching on properties without permission of the government and thereby destroying them by erecting constructions.
Petitioner approached various government authorities but received no response for preserving the properties. He alleged that the authorities have ‘shrugged off’ their responsibilities. It was further contended that if these properties are not protected, then the rich cultural heritage will be lost with time and nothing will be left for future generations.
“Very naturally the questions arise in mind that if the owners of the subject property could not be traced, who gave the subject properties to the current tenants who are literally changing the nature of the properties for the sake of business? That these properties need to be protected in order to preserve the rich history of Delhi” the petitioner pleaded.
The matter will be further heard before the court on 7th December.
Case title- SANJAY KUMAR VASHIST v. UNION OF INDIA & ORS
Written by Shagun Behal
