Delhi High Court Takes Action Against Illegal Occupation of Heritage Properties in Chandni Chowk
In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has initiated action against the illegal occupation of 'heritage properties' by traders in the historic Chandni Chowk area of the national capital.
Delhi High Court Takes Action Against Illegal Occupation of Heritage Properties in Chandni Chowk
In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has initiated action against the illegal occupation of 'heritage properties' by traders in the historic Chandni Chowk area of the national capital. The move comes in response to a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by a concerned local resident, highlighting the urgent need to protect these culturally significant sites.
The petitioner, identified as Sanjay Kumar Vashist, expressed grave concerns in his PIL that if these heritage properties are not safeguarded, they could be lost over time, depriving future generations of a tangible link to the city's rich cultural heritage.
A division bench led by Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma has issued notices to various government authorities, including the Union Ministry of Culture, Archaeological Survey of India, National Monuments Authority, Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation, Heritage Conservation Committee, and Delhi Development Authority. These authorities have been asked to provide their responses to the PIL, which seeks to address the issue of unauthorized occupation and alteration of these heritage properties. This was reported in law portals like LiveLaw, Bar and Bench.
The properties in question, situated in the Vakilpura area, specifically Chah Rahat, were declared as heritage properties through a notification issued in 2016, designating them as havelis, traditional mansions. The PIL contends that these heritage properties have been unlawfully occupied by individuals who are conducting business without any government authorization and, in the process, making unauthorized alterations to the structures.
Despite the petitioner's diligent efforts to engage with various government bodies regarding the preservation of these historic properties, he alleges that he received no response. This lack of action from the authorities prompted the petitioner to file the PIL, asserting that these properties must be protected to ensure the preservation of Delhi's rich history.
The case will be heard by the Delhi High Court on December 7, 2023.