In a significant move aimed at regulating land use in the capital, the Supreme Court (SC) has directed a comprehensive inquiry across Delhi to identify residential properties being used for commercial purposes. Acting on the order, the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) has instructed officials to begin a time-bound exercise covering all zones.
According to an official communication issued by MCD Commissioner Sanjeev Khirwar, the apex court has made all municipal corporations of capital cities, including the Municipal Corporation of Delhi, party respondents and asked them to conduct a detailed inquiry within their jurisdictions.
The MCD has directed Zonal Deputy Commissioners to carry out extensive field surveys to identify violations in areas designated strictly for residential use. The exercise will include all residential colonies, whether authorised, unauthorised or regularised, as well as group housing societies and plotted developments.
The order also extends to pockets or “islands” that may fall outside formal administrative limits but are geographically located within or surrounded by MCD areas.
The exercise shall mandatorily include:
- All residential colonies, including unauthorised/regularised approved colonies
- Group housing societies and plotted developments
- All areas falling within the jurisdiction of MCD, including such ‘islands’ or pockets which, though they may technically fall outside administrative limits, are geographically situated within or surrounded by MCD areas
Detailed Verification and Zone-Wise Reporting Mandated
Officials have been asked to conduct on-ground verification and compile a comprehensive, zone-wise list of properties where residential premises are being used for non-residential activities. The civic body has stressed that the data must be accurate and supported by records, as it will form the basis of an affidavit to be submitted before the Supreme Court.
Authorities have also been instructed to fix accountability for any lapses, including omissions or incorrect reporting during the survey process.
Seven-Day Deadline for Report Submission
The MCD has set a strict deadline of seven days for submission of the compiled reports to the Additional Commissioner (Engineering). The final affidavit, based on the collected data, will be filed before the Supreme Court and personally affirmed by the Commissioner.
The exercise is expected to have wide-ranging implications for commercial establishments operating out of residential premises across the national capital.