Delhi HC questions Centre over illegal construction

The Delhi High Court Wednesday asked the central government and a Delhi municipal corporation to inform it about the steps taken to prevent illegal encroachment and construction near a protected ancient monument site in the national capital.

A division bench of Chief Justice G. Rohini and Justice R.S. Endlaw asked the Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) and North Delhi Municipal Corporation to file an affidavit by April 22 indicating the steps taken to prevent the illegal encroachment in Christian colony near Delhi University's north campus area.

"Who are responsible for this (illegal construction)? This is prohibited and no one can raise construction at ancient monuments. File affidavit on steps taken to prevent illegal encroachments and construction near the ancient monument at Christian colony," said the bench.

The court was hearing a PIL filed by Utsav Kumar, a former Delhi University student.

"Though the Christian Colony has been declared as a monument and protected under the Ancient Sites and Remains Act, all kinds of construction and repair work are rampant in the area," the plea said.

On the issue of alleged harassment of students by police and goons at the Christian Colony, in north Delhi, the bench said there are other remedies available on that issue.

The plea had also sought police protection for the Christian Colony's resident students from the goons of unknown landlords, hired to harass them.