Markets shut to protest sealing, Kejriwal demands ordinance

Tribune News Service

New Delhi, January 23

Majority of the markets in the city wore a deserted look today with shops being closed to protest against the ongoing sealing of business establishments by the BJP-controlled municipal corporations.

Under the banner of Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), traders in the city called on the Centre to protect them from sealing by bringing anamnesty  ordinance, and an amnesty scheme on building and commercial activities “as is where is basis” as on December 31 last year notifying 351 roads as commercial or mix land use and increase in floor area ratio (FAR) to protect additional construction.

The ruling AAP backed the protest with Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal today urging the BJP government to bring an ordinance, if required, to protect properties of traders from getting sealed in the national Capital. The Congress and the BJP, too, extended their support to the traders.

Extending a cordial hand on the issue, Kejriwal said the ongoing sealing has hit traders very hard and if it is not stopped, a number of people will be rendered jobless.

“I urge Centre 2 bring Ordinance, if reqd, 2 protect Delhi’s traders from sealing. Del govt offers all cooperation to Centre, whatever is needed. Economic situation already grim. Sealing has hit traders v hard. It is our duty to protect them. Else no of people wud become jobless (sic),” Kejriwal tweeted.

The day-long bandh affected markets in Chandni Chowk, Sadar Bazar, Chawri Bazar, Kamla Nagar, Karol Bagh, Kashmere Gate, Khari Baoil, Naya Bazar, Bhagirath Palace, Paharganj, Rajouri Garden, among other areas, as per the industry body.

CAIT secretary general Praveen Khandelwal demanded immediate intervention of the Centre claiming sealing is being conducted in a dictatorial manner under the guise of the Supreme Court order in utter violation of statutory provisions of the DMC Act.

According to Khandelwal, before taking any action for misuse of any property, the MCD Act requires Commissioner to lodge a complaint with the municipal magistrate in a time-bound period, serve a show cause notice and an opportunity of personal hearing followed by allowing the aggrieved to make an appeal to Appellate Tribunal and then Administrator i.e. the LG. But those affected have been deprived of all these measures.

“The shopping centres were given on commercial rates and now conversion charge is being demanded and sealing is conducted without giving any notice, which can’t be held justified. The entire sealing proceedings are being run in a dictatorial manner keeping aside the DMC Act, 1957,” Khandelwal claimed.

Over the last one month the civic bodies have launched the sealing drive against properties for non-payment of conversion charges, or for alleged violation of civic norms such as encroachments or illegal constructions are being taken in line with the orders of the Supreme Court-appointed monitoring committee.

“Traders are saying Modi Govt can bring Ordinance to stop sealing in Delhi. Intentionally delaying Ordinance to collect maximum money using threats of sealing(sic),” AAP leader Saurabh Bharadwaj tweeted.