1984 anti-Sikh riot killing memorial: NDMC warns of action

The Delhi High Court today declined to grant stay on the construction of a memorial at Gurudwara Rakabganj Sahib complex here for those killed in 1984 anti-Sikh riots as NDMC told the court that legal action will be taken soon if they go ahead with the project in violation of the statute.
The court, however, issued a notice to Delhi government, NDMC, DDA, Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) and its President Sardar Manjit Singh GK and sought their replies by July 17 on former DSGMC President Paramjit Singh Sarna's plea to stop the construction as they have not got approval of competent authority.

Justice Jayant Nath recorded the submissions of NDMC counsel Vivek Sood that "action has been initiated. On June 6, a show cause notice was issued to the Delhi Sikh Gurdwara Management Committee (DSGMC) and its President Sardar Manjit Singh GK in which the legal consequences were also mentioned...It will take action as per law in 2/3 days."
Meanwhile, DSGMC's counsel Sudhir Nandrajog told the court that a memorial is only a proposed plan and the nature of the structure would be done as per the bylaws.
Refusing to give any undertaking, the senior lawyer said it can be a memorial garden or a fountain and at this stage NDMC should not interfere.

The court was hearing Sarna's plea seeking stoppage of construction of the memorial alleging the gurdwara is a heritage property and for any construction the management has to seek permission of NDMC.
"Direct respondents to abide by or enforce legal obligations to ensure that there is no breach of law by raising illegal structure inside the campus of Gurdwara Rakabganj Sahib," the plea said seeking suspension of all construction activities concerning the memorial.
The petitioner's counsel DSGMC today laid the foundation stone of the memorial.