Jahangirpuri demolition drive: Brinda Karat moves SC seeking compensation for the affected

CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Brinda Karat filed a petition in Supreme Court seeking compensation for victims of Jahangirpuri demolition drive. Naming New Delhi Municipal Corporation, NDMC Assistant Commissioner and  DCP North-West Delhi as respondents in her plea, she also urged SC to cancel anti-encroachment drive and not proceed with any action in this regard without due process of law.

Karat highlighted that authorities refused to discontinue operation until 12.25 pm despite her reaching spot and bringing to ir notice that SC h stayed demolition. 

Brinda Karat noted, "Without giving a proper show cause and giving breathing time to people residing/ working in Jahangirpuri area of North Delhi, respondents started demolition of ir houses, shops and or buildings denying ir precious constitutional rights and right to life. entire action is absolutely and manifestly arbitrary and in violation of Article 14, 19 and 21. ir only shelter and buildings for ir livelihood are demolished in utter disregard to statutes and Constitution. People residing and working in Jahangirpuri area are very poor and marginalized who are incapable of resisting illegal inhumane action of respondents." 

Moreover, former Rajya Sabha MP contended that demolition h been carried out in a discriminatory manner sparing buildings in B, H and or blocks of area. She also contended that North Delhi Mayor Raja Iqbal Singh was maliciously indulging in a political game plan.

Maintaining that demolition drive is linked to Jahangirpuri violence in which 9 persons were injured, Karat alleged that encroachment removal was in violation of  principles of natural justice and statutory provisions of Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957 and Constitution.

Jahangirpuri demolition case

NDMC commenced a two-day anti-encroachment drive in Jahangirpuri on Wednesday. re was a heavy police presence in area to provide security to officials of civic agency and senior police officers were personally present on spot to focus on law and order situation.

After senior vocate Dushyant Dave mentioned a plea before an SC bench seeking an urgent hearing of petition challenging this action, CJI NV Ramana ordered status quo until Thursday when matter will be listed.

Arguing that an unconstitutional and illegal demolition has been ordered in Jahangirpuri, Dave alleged that drive was preponed owing to apprehension of aggrieved parties mentioning matter before apex court. 

SC has clubbed this plea along with that of Jamiat Ulama-I-Hind, which moved apex court against demolition of houses and shops of persons suspected to be involved in criminal incidents such as violence without following any due process. A two-judge bench of SC comprising Justices L Nageswara Rao and BR Gavai will hear matter at 10.30 am.