Why no civic amenities given to Sainik Farms? HC asks

The Delhi High Court today asked the AAP government and the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) why civic amenities could not be provided to properties of retired army personnel living in Sainik Farms whereas such facilities were being given to unauthorised colonies.

A bench of Justices Siddharth Mridul and Deepa Sharma said if the authorities agree that the retired army personnel are not in illegal occupation of the area, why civic amenities cannot be extended to them.

"You (authorities) are giving civic amenities to unauthorised colonies," it said.

The court asked the retired army personnel, represented by senior advocate Kirti Uppal, to withdraw their plea for civic amenities and move a detailed representation on the issue before the SDMC.

The corporation was directed by the bench to dispose of the representation within eight weeks.

The central government's standing counsel Monika Arora, appearing for the SDMC, said that the representation would be disposed of expeditiously.

The bench said that if the statutory authorities do not perform their duties, the retired army personnel can approach the court again.