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Synopsis

The Delhi High Court on Wednesday directed the Delhi government to ensure that the re-development and beautification work carried out at Chandni Chowk is maintained and continued.

A division bench of Chief Justice Satish Chandra Sharma and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela said that the market was re-developed for the betterment of the traders' association as well, and therefore they also owed some social responsibility towards it.

The court made the observation while closing the proceedings on a public interest litigation (PIL) registered suo motu with respect to the redevelopment of Chandni Chowk.

In view of the various steps taken by the authorities, including the installation of boom barriers at the street junctions and CCTV cameras, the court said that there was no reason to continue with the PIL.

“However, the state government is requested to ensure that the redevelopment work which has been carried out is continued and maintained,” the bench said.

The court added that the traders were also expected to assist the authorities, adding that they were free to devise a formula for managing the boom barriers by employing their own people in consultation with the Delhi Police.

“The traders association, who is the intervenor, also owes some social responsibility as the area is being developed for their welfare too…It is expected that the traders associations will take up the responsibility and come forward to assist the authorities in this endeavour,” it said.

With respect to the steps taken by the police, the court noted that appropriate action was taken against unauthorized hawkers, squatters, and encroachers.

Court also noted that cameras were installed by the PWD on the main Chandni Chowk stretch, i.e., from the Red Fort to Fatehpuri, to monitor “no entry violation”, which led to the collection of more than Rs 19 lakh as a fine last year.

The bench was informed that adequate staff was deployed at the Red Fort Chowk to facilitate pedestrians crossing the road, guide them when using the subway, and stop the entry of motor vehicles in the area.

Court also took on record the government lawyer’s statement that it was the duty of the government, the MCD, and other authorities to ensure that the re-development and beautification of Chandni Chowk, which has been brought back to its past glory with the efforts of all the parties concerned, remains intact.

Case Title: Court on its own motion v. Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC), GNCTD & Ors.