Today, the Delhi High Court instructed the city authorities to address the deficiencies and illegal activities at the Chandni Chowk redevelopment project and its surrounding areas.

A division bench consisting of Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, observed that the illegal activities and deficiencies in the area must be promptly addressed and removed by the MCD and Delhi Police in accordance with the law. The court further directed the concerned DCP and DC to be personally present in court at the next hearing.

The Court was hearing a PIL filed by the Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal, which sought directions to the city authorities to ensure the removal of all damage and illegal activities in the area within a specified time frame.

Senior Advocate Sanjeev Ralli, representing the petitioner organization, argued that the Chandni Chowk redevelopment project area has been completely neglected by the authorities, including the MCD, Delhi Police, and Traffic Police.

He stated that the current situation was causing significant inconvenience to the public, particularly residents, visitors, and those working in Chandni Chowk. He further contended that the city authorities' lack of concern was resulting in a concerning decline in the cleanliness and maintenance of the Chandni Chowk road and its surrounding areas.

Ralli also submitted that drug addicts and vagrants had begun gathering on the main Chandni Chowk road, and that the maintenance agency's contract had expired without any provisions for its renewal, resulting in unhygienic conditions in the area.

It was also submitted that illegal encroachments by hawkers and others in the no-vending zone were being left unchecked by the authorities. Describing the situation as a "shocking state of affairs," the Bench questioned the authorities' handling of the maintenance of the Chandni Chowk area.

The bench directed the MCD, PWD, Shahjahanabad Redevelopment Corporation (SRDC), Delhi Police and Traffic police to file their status report in the matter within two weeks.

The Court also summoned the concerned DCP as well as DC of the area to remain personally present on January 9, 2025 the next date of hearing.

Case Title: Chandani Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal v. Govt. Of Nct Of Delhi & Ors