Delhi HC holds officials responsible for Chandni Chowk encroachment

While disposing of a petition, the Delhi High Court recently said the SHO concerned and the Assistant Commissioner of MCD shall be held personally responsible for not removal or reoccurrence of encroachment in the non-vending zone of Chandni Chowk.
The high court also directed strict vigil and day-to-day action on encroachment.

The division bench, comprising justices Tushar Rao Gedela and Ravinder Dudeja, passed the direction while disposing of the petition moved by Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal.
“Strict vigil and action on a day-to-day basis must be taken, and in case the encroachments are not removed or re-occur, the Assistant Commissioner of MCD of the concerned zone and SHO of Police Station Lahori Gate and Kotwali shall be held personally responsible,” division bench ordered on December 20, 2023.

The division bench also gave a direction that the respondents shall strictly adhere to the actions to be undertaken as decided by the STF in its minutes of December 7, 2023, and non-compliance thereof shall be viewed seriously by this court. It was decided in the said minutes of December 7, 2023, that firstly, the joint encroachment removal drive comprising officials of MCD and Delhi Police will be taken regularly. Secondly, beat officials of the Delhi Police will keep vigil in the area after every encroachment drive and prevent the resurfacing or return of illegal hawking or vending in the no hawking or no vending area.