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MLAs’ illegal constructions: Lokayukta tells Govt to act
The Delhi Lokayukta on Thursday took a serious note of the unauthorised constructions and encroachment on public land allegedly by about 60 MLAs and councillors which included MCD councillor Preeti ‘Behn’ in the Jhilmil Colony and recommended the Delhi Government to either implement the rules or change them.
Though Justice Manmohan Sarin called Behn as a whistleblower in the matter as she had provided a list of about 60 MLAs and councillors whose properties were constructed on encroached land, it recommended a token suspension of councillor Behn for one day from the House.
The Lokayukta recommended the Delhi Government for removal of encroachment on public land and unauthorised constructions in Jhilmil colony and suggested, “In the alternative to allot the encroached land at higher rates and in situ regularisation of unauthorised constructions so that the existing laws conform to the construction on ground.”
Holding Behn guilty of violating the norms of conduct, Sarin said, “The Municipal councillors, who are often referred as city fathers, are expected to be role models for compliance with the Municipal laws. There can thus be no excuse for the said councillors themselves indulging in unauthorised constructions and encroachments on the plea that the same are widely prevalent. A case of violation of norms of conduct is clearly made out against Behn on the basis of her own admission.”
Observing that the impasse of encroachment of public land has continued for the past 50 years, Justice Sarin said, “The administration or the Delhi Government, irrespective of the party in power, has not shown any political will to remove or resolve it. Not only this, the unauthorised constructions have also continued without any attempt for their demolition. Municipal Corporation authorities accept that action on such a large scale for removal of encroachment or demolition was not possible. In fact, it is even difficult to complete a survey to ascertain a factual position in respect of each of the tenements. Implement the rules or change the rules.”
The Delhi Lokayukta on Thursday took a serious note of the unauthorised constructions and encroachment on public land allegedly by about 60 MLAs and councillors which included MCD councillor Preeti ‘Behn’ in the Jhilmil Colony and recommended the Delhi Government to either implement the rules or change them.
Though Justice Manmohan Sarin called Behn as a whistleblower in the matter as she had provided a list of about 60 MLAs and councillors whose properties were constructed on encroached land, it recommended a token suspension of councillor Behn for one day from the House.
The Lokayukta recommended the Delhi Government for removal of encroachment on public land and unauthorised constructions in Jhilmil colony and suggested, “In the alternative to allot the encroached land at higher rates and in situ regularisation of unauthorised constructions so that the existing laws conform to the construction on ground.”
Holding Behn guilty of violating the norms of conduct, Sarin said, “The Municipal councillors, who are often referred as city fathers, are expected to be role models for compliance with the Municipal laws. There can thus be no excuse for the said councillors themselves indulging in unauthorised constructions and encroachments on the plea that the same are widely prevalent. A case of violation of norms of conduct is clearly made out against Behn on the basis of her own admission.”
Observing that the impasse of encroachment of public land has continued for the past 50 years, Justice Sarin said, “The administration or the Delhi Government, irrespective of the party in power, has not shown any political will to remove or resolve it. Not only this, the unauthorised constructions have also continued without any attempt for their demolition. Municipal Corporation authorities accept that action on such a large scale for removal of encroachment or demolition was not possible. In fact, it is even difficult to complete a survey to ascertain a factual position in respect of each of the tenements. Implement the rules or change the rules.”
