In a big relief to 2,100 DLF residents, the Supreme Court (SC) on Friday stayed the Punjab and Haryana High Court order that had previously ordered the demolition of unauthorised construction in housing units and the sealing of commercial activities in DLF phases 1 to 5.
The SC has initially provided relief for four weeks to residents. The relief comes after the different groups had filed special leave petitions before the SC for seeking relief from the drive.
The relief comes on a day when the Department of Town and Country Planning (DTCP) is set to launch its drive on illegal structures to execute the Punjab and Haryana High Court directive.
"We came to know that the matter was taken up by the Supreme Court today. We went to the spot to execute the High Court order, but later we came to know that the top court has stayed it. However, we have yet to go through the Supreme Court order," DTP town and country planner (enforcement) Amit Madholia said.
On the other hand, the residents welcomed the SC's decision.
"We welcomed the SC's decision. We are the victim in this case. This is not government land. We have possession of our own land and pay all necessary taxes to the concerned departments. We present our plea before the court, which is considered," Satish Yadav, a resident, said.
The High Court had ordered sealing action on the petition of DLF Phase 3 Resident Welfare Association (RWA) President Sameer Puri.
On the SC's decision, Sameer Puri said that "The High Court had given the decision in our favor. Now there is a stay in the Supreme Court. We will also take this issue forward in the Supreme Court. We will present our side."
The HC had issued directives on February 13, following which an enforcement team survey identified over 4,200 properties violating building regulations.
The orders from the court created panic, particularly in the economically weaker section (EWS) blocks of DLF 3's U-Block and among builders and the residents of these areas.
While 4,200 properties had been identified by the DTCP for violations earlier, 2,100 units now face a demolition and sealing drive that is set to begin on April 4, following orders from the Punjab and Haryana High Court.
Before this, the property owners were served show-cause notices and given seven days to respond. Those who failed to provide a satisfactory explanation are now facing strict action.
The operation is being conducted under the Haryana Urban Development Act and Haryana Building Code regulations.
The department's enforcement team had finalized the action plan to target illegal constructions and unauthorized commercial activities.
To ensure smooth execution, four teams were formed, and duty magistrates had been appointed for supervision.
Additionally, a heavy police force was also deployed to prevent any untoward incidents during the operation.
For several years, commercial activities have flourished in these 60-square-yard houses, with many homeowners renting out spaces for shops, paying guest (PG) accommodations, and guest houses.
The violations in U-Block are among the most severe, with some buildings illegally extended up to six or eight floors, far beyond permissible limits.
However, following the HC directive and the upcoming crackdown, these businesses have shut down.
The authorities had even warned that any tampering with the sealing process will lead to legal action, including FIRs. With heavy police deployment planned, any resistance to enforcement may result in strict penalties.
DLF City Resident Welfare Association (RWA) had filed a public interest litigation in the Punjab and Haryana High Court in 2021 regarding illegal constructions in various areas of DLF Phases one to five.
The petitioners had said that the illegal constructions have lowered the quality of life in the city and urged the court to order the demolition of such buildings.
The petitioners demanded to demolish the illegally constructed multi-story buildings and also requested the court to cancel the illegally issued occupation certificates.
