Do not approve illegal construction, says Puri

Promising to end the “culture of impunity” in Delhi, Union Minister of State (Independent Charge), Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri said that government officials signing off on illegal constructions and encroachments would face immediate action, including prosecution under the Prevention of Corruption Act.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Mr. Puri also lashed out at officials involved in the sealing drive in several Delhi markets over the last few days, saying that they were in contravention of the Supreme Court, and could be suspended.

The apex court vacated its stay on amendments to the Delhi Master Plan on May 15.

The DDA is now undertaking the process of inviting suggestions and objections to the proposed amendments, which would allow regularisation of some of the unauthorised constructions.

“Whatever we do must be anchored in the rule of law, and also be subject to the doctrine of common sense,” said Mr. Puri, adding that officials must give time to affected parties to produce documentation before demolishing their properties.

The city is divided into 31 zones, and nodal officers for each zone would be held responsible for illegal constructions in their areas, said Urban Affairs Secretary Durga Shanker Mishra.

He added that apart from punitive action under disciplinary rules, including suspension, FIRs would be slapped against erring officials under Section 13 (1) (d) of the Prevention of Corruption Act, under which a public servant who abuses his position and obtains for himself or for any other person any valuable thing or pecuniary advantage can be held guilty of criminal misconduct.