SC no to changing order seeking public views on amending Master Plan

New Delhi: The national capital is being "ravaged" by unauthorised encroachments and illegal constructions, the Supreme Court said on Thursday as it rejected the Centre's plea seeking modification of an order asking it to invite suggestions from the public before amending the Master Plan of Delhi (MPD) 2021.

A bench of Justices Madan B Lokur and Navin Sinha directed the Centre to "expeditiously implement the order dated May 15 in letter and spirit keeping the interest of the public of Delhi in mind".

The top court had on May 15 asked the Centre to give a window of 15 days to the people of Delhi to provide suggestions or objections.

The Centre had sought modification of the order while objecting to the 15-day time on several grounds including it may create "law and order" problem.

"Again, unfortunately, instead of taking the people of Delhi into confidence concerning amendments to the Master Plan, a bogey of public order and rioting has been sought to be communicated to us as if the law and order situation in Delhi was getting out of control.

"We are at a loss to understand the hyper-reaction and how changes in the Master Plan are sought to be brought about without any meaningful public participation with perhaps an intent to satisfy some lobbies and curtailing 90 days to just three days on some unfounded basis. It must be appreciated that the people of Delhi come first," the bench said in its order.