Hundreds of North Delhi farmhouses, especially along the GT Karnal Road, have come under the court scanner, with the order to survey each one to check Master Plan violations.
The court’s order came after a private firm challenged the civic body’s sealing order against farmhouse ‘JKS lawns’ for violating norms. JKS Resorts (P) ltd had alleged that NMC had permitted over 10 farmhouses in and around GT Karnal Road to operate illegally. The court deemed a
detailed inquiry necessary after this accusation of ‘pick and choose’ policy.
“The Deputy Commissioner (Narela Zone in North Delhi Municipal Corporation) is directed to conduct a detailed survey of each and every farmhouse in the zone and take appropriate action against those found in violation of Master Plan-2021 and directions of the Delhi High Court,” Additional District and Sessions Judge Ashwani Sarpal said.
The court, however, also held JKS Resorts guilty of violating the Master Plan and imposed a fine of Rs 1.15 lakh, besides ordering immediate sealing of the farmhouse. “The sale deed of the land says it will be used for agricultural purposes only, but it is being used for commercial activities. The respondent (NMC) is directed to seal the farmhouse within 24 hours and, within three days, take up the matter with the electricity and water supply authorities for disconnection of services,” the judge said.
The court took serious note of the allegations and directed the municipal corporation to investigate the role of its officers. “Officials who have granted permission letters illegally and released the regularisation plan unauthorisedly, against norms, bylaws and standing orders, must be identified and dealt with strictly. A departmental action must be initiated after suspending them,” said the judge, presiding officer of the MCD Appellate Tribunal.
The judge also pulled up the architect for preparing the wrong regularisation plan and ordered legal proceedings against him too. “It is apparently the architect prepared a wrong plan and submitted it for approval, which could not have been approved at all under provisions of the building bylaws and Master Plan. It was his duty to verify rules before submitting and sanctioning,” the court noted.
“All inquiries should be conducted by the Director (Vigilance) himself and be completed within six months. The Deputy Commissioner of the concerned zone will take up the matter with the police and properly investigate FIRs lodged against violators,” it added.
The court has sought an action-taken report within seven days. A copy of the judgement has been sent to the Chief law Officer of North Delhi Municipal Corporation for compliance.