Task force retrieves 28L sqm govt land from encroachers
these places (in Khan Market), you can make out that on one floor they have a seating capacity of 40 and on the other, another 40. There is a clear violation of law.”
On December 29 last year, a massive fire had swept through two rooftop pubs — Mojos Bistro and 1Above — in Kamala Mills compound in central Mumbai, killing 14 persons.
Justice Lokur added: “The law is different for the poor and the rich.” Nadkarni denied that saying law was equal for all. But Justice Lokur replied : “Then it is interpreted and implemented differently for the rich.”
Nadkarni clarified that action was contemplated in Khan Market but failed to elaborate on this. “You are playing with the lives of citizens. God forbids something happens there, what you will do?” Justice Gupta said. The counsel assured the bench that the STF will look into the deviations.
THE BENCH PULLED UP STF CHAIRMAN TARUN KAPOOR, FOR FAILING TO SUBMIT FORTNIGHTLY ACTION-TAKEN REPORTS DESPITE ORDERS
NEW DELHI: Over 28 lakh square metres of government land has been retrieved by the Special Task Force (STF), which was constituted in April this year, after the Supreme Court ticked off all the civic agencies for their inability to act against encroachers in Delhi.
In its report submitted to the top court on Wednesday, the STF stated that it has so far cleared about 3,202 square metre of roads, streets and footpaths. The Supreme Court bench, comprising justices MB Lokur, Deepak Gupta and Hemant Gupta, was also told that the task force has so far received around 7,000 complaints, of which about 3,400 have been dealt with and acted upon.
Additional solicitor general AS Nadkani, appearing for the STF, also informed the court that efforts were being made to recruit additional staff for the task force so that they could work more efficiently. The staff would be in place within the next fifteen days.
As per the STF, over 10 lakh square metres was cleared from permanent encroachment and over 16.99 lakh square meters from temporary encroachment. The maximum land retrieved has been in east Delhi.
After perusing the report, the bench said : “This highlights the magnitude of the problem (of encroachment).” The court went on to record in its order: “This confirms the severe problems being faced by Delhi due to unauthorized construction and encroachments and the magnitude of the problem.” It said there was a need to protect and preserve the re-possessed land and directed the STF to take necessary steps towards the same.
“Since the commissioners of the municipal corporations are part of the STF, we would require the task force to look into the matter with due seriousness and protect and preserve the land that has been taken possession/ retrieved from the unauthorized encroachments. Needless to say, this also includes the roads/ streets/footpaths that have been cleared by the STF with the aid of municipal corporations,” the bench ordered.
Before it began hearing the matter, the bench pulled up the STF chairman Tarun Kapoor, who is also Delhi Development Authority (DDA) vice-chairman, for failing to submit fortnightly action-taken reports despite the court’s earlier direction.
“We have to beg and say please tell us what is happening,” the bench told Kapoor, who said the STF was holding fortnightly meetings. He accepted there has been delay in filing reports and promised not to breach the court order in future.
“Why do you do this? First of all you cannot handle the problem and when the matter is before the Supreme Court, you say you will do whatever you want,” Justice Lokur said.
“If you cannot do your job then tell us that I cannot do my job. We will replace you. If you want to do this, do it seriously. It was the idea of the Attorney General (to have STF and call for reports). What will the people of Delhi will do? What will the Supreme Court do,” the judge said, visibly upset.
Nadkarni said the STF has laid down a time bound procedure for dealing with the complaints.