What is Delhi’s sealing drive?

The sealing drive in Delhi is being carried out by a Supreme Court-appointed monitoring committee against business establishments using residential properties for commercial purposes. It is being implemented by the three BJP-led municipal corporations in Delhi under the direct supervision of the monitoring committee. The SC is currently hearing the matter relating to the sealing of unauthorised constructions in Delhi. The top court is dealing with the issue relating to the validity of the Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act, 2006 and subsequent legislations, which protect unauthorised construction from being sealed.

The monitoring committee comprises former adviser to Election Commission K.J. Rao, Chairman of Environment Pollution Prevention and Control Authority Bhure Lal and Major General (retired) Som Jhingan as members.

The drive began in December last year after the apex court ordered the sealing of commercial establishments over encroachment, illegal constructions and non-payment of conversion charges.