The Delhi High Court has issued a directive instructing both the police and the municipal body to diligently monitor and take prompt action against any encroachments in the Chandni Chowk area.

Justices Tushar Rao Gedela and Ravinder Dudeja of the Division Bench emphasized the importance of adhering to the directives outlined by the Special Task Force (STF) on this matter. The Assistant Commissioner of the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) for the relevant zone, along with the Station House Officers (SHOs) of Lahori Gate and Kotwali police stations, will personally be held accountable if any encroachments persist or reappear.

This directive comes in response to a plea by the Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal, seeking measures to prevent unauthorized squatting and street vending in designated zones of Chandni Chowk. The Court concluded the writ petition with a clear instruction for the respondents to strictly follow the measures outlined by the STF in its December 7, 2023, minutes. The Court warned that failure to comply with these measures would be taken seriously.

The Court stressed the need for continuous vigilance, and if any encroachments are detected or re-emerge, both the Assistant Commissioner of the MCD's respective zone and the SHOs of Lahori Gate and Kotwali will face accountability. The Court highlighted that, in response to its previous directives, the STF had discussions on tackling illegal street vending and encroachments. The STF, comprising representatives from both the MCD and the police, decided on various actions, including regular joint removal drives and enhanced surveillance. The STF also committed to ensuring adequate police presence during these drives and pledged to hold quarterly review meetings to monitor progress.

Lastly, the Court reiterated its earlier instructions to the SHO of Lahori Gate police station and the MCD Commissioner to uphold law and order. The Court emphasized that it firmly believes the SHO and the Assistant Commissioner must ensure diligent adherence to the STF's directives from December 7, 2023.

Case: Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal (Regd.) v. Delhi Police & Ors.

W.P.(C) 5002/2017 & CM APPL. 32605/2021 (for directions), CM
APPL. 60363/2023 (for directions)