New Delhi, The Delhi High Court has directed the MCD commissioner to constitute a high-powered committee in consultation with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta to deal with the issue of repair, sealing or demolition of dangerous and dilapidated buildings during GR-related restrictions.
“The Commissioner, MCD in consultation with the Hon’ble Chief Minister, Government of NCT of Delhi, is directed to constitute a High-Powered Committee as expeditiously as possible, preferably, within the next week to examine and formulate an effective alternative mechanism, including but not limited to sealing, repairing or controlled demolition for buildings which have been identified as dilapidated/ structurally unsafe/ dangerous, during the on-going period/ subsistence of the GR restrictions,” it ordered. Emphasising that the right to life casts an obligation on the State to take reasonable and effective measures to protect human life from foreseeable dangers, the court said the MCD, in such a “precarious situation”, cannot shirk away from its obligation by merely conducting inspections or issuing notices while leaving the underlying danger unaddressed till an unfortunate incident occurs.
Fixing the matter for hearing on January 1, the Court directed that a copy of the order be sent to the chief minister and the MCD commissioner.
