Delhi High Court raps MCD over parks encroachment near Jama Masjid

In a stern rebuke to the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD), the Delhi High Court criticized the civic body for its alleged failure to reclaim public parks surrounding Jama Masjid from encroachment. The court emphasized the essentiality of preserving these green spaces for public use.

"The conservation of public parks is imperative, and an authority like MCD cannot afford to lose control over them," stated the Delhi High Court during the hearing. The court expressed concern over the encroachment issue, emphasizing that living in a country with a rule of law demands the proper maintenance of public spaces.

Court’s direction to MCD to collaborate with the Delhi Police 

The court directed MCD to collaborate with the Delhi Police in resolving the matter and ensuring the parks are freed from encroachment. The civic body has been instructed to submit a detailed status report within four weeks, outlining the steps taken to reclaim the parks and prevent further encroachment.

The next hearing on this matter is scheduled for December 21, 2023, as the Delhi High Court continues to monitor the progress and actions taken by the Municipal Corporation of Delhi to address the encroachment issue around Jama Masjid's public parks.

How did MCD lose its control over public parks? 

During the hearing, the court expressed disbelief at the MCD's remarks that they were not even permitted to enter the Jama Masjid, North Park, through the Shaheen Gate.

MCD in its statement further said that they didn’t have entry to the parks near Wazu Khana. As far as South Park is concerned, we demolished certain unauthorised buildings. The rest of the parks we’ve been maintaining. 

Notably, the court made these observations during the hearing of a Public Internet Litigation (PIL) that sought an order for the Municipal Corporation and the Government of the national capital territory of Delhi to clear all unlawful and unapproved encroachment from public parks, including Urdu Park, which is located near the Jama Masjid in Delhi's Meena Bazar Market, as well as from other parks surrounding the mosque.