Construction near Qutub Minar: Delhi HC seeks DCP’s report

The observation was made by the court after seeing an Action Taken Report submitted by the SDMC, which showed demolition of some structures in the area. While the SDMC described it as “appropriate action” against unauthorised construction, the court noted that the “isolated punctures” in walls or roofs are insufficient.

“If the structure is illegal, it would have to be brought down,” the court said in the order passed in a petition seeking action against officials for allowing illegal constructions at Mehrauli.

Rinku Kaushik in a petition filed in 2018 had alleged that a “vast illegal and unauthorised colony” was being developed on government land adjoining Qutub Minar and “six storeyed and above height buildings are being constructed there”.

In April 2019, SDMC had informed the court that nine properties out of the 23 mentioned in Kaushik’s representations have been identified. In September 2019, the municipal body submitted action has been taken gainst the properties identified by it.

The case has been listed for hearing next on December 15.