Delhi HC directs CBI probe into "unauthorized construction" at sealed building near Nizamuddin Ki Baoli monument
Feb 20, 2024
New Delhi [India], February 20 : The Delhi High Court on Tuesday issued directions for a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into alleged illegal/unauthorized construction in a sealed building/guest house on government land near the centrally protected monument "Nizamuddin Ki Baoli."
The bench of Justice Manmohan and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora, while passing the order, also stated that structural reforms in the working of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi and the Delhi Development Authority to deal with the issue of unauthorised construction are the need of the hour.
The bench, while transferring the investigation to the CBI from Delhi Police, expressed shock and said the authorities failed to stop the unauthorized construction at the heart of the city.
On the last date of the hearing, the Delhi High Court had directed concerned civic authorities to ensure no further illegal/unauthorized construction of any guest house on government land near the centrally protected monument "Nizamuddin Ki Baoli".
The plea has been moved by an NGO called Jamia Arabia Nizamia Welfare, stating that failure on the part of the respondent to stop the mushrooming up of illegal and unauthorized guest houses near Baoli Gate, Hazrat Nizamuddin Dargah, near the police booth, 100 meters of the centrally protected monument "Nizamuddin ki Baoli" and Barakhamba Tomb resulted in illegal and unauthorized construction work at the subject property.
Petitioner NGO further alleged that huge numbers of illegal and unauthorized guest houses are running without any permission from Nizamuddin West, Residential Colony. All these illegal activities are being carried out with the aid and support of the Respondents authorities.
The respondents have acted arbitrarily, whimsically and capriciously, violating the legal rights of the people by allowing the land grabber to grab the land while they are snorting at the office, stated the plea.
Illegal constructions, especially those near historical sites and protected monuments, pose threats to the environment, heritage, and cultural significance of the area. This warrants immediate judicial intervention to preserve and protect these valuable assets, the plea read.
