DU to cite 1943 letter in SC to oppose construction of highrise

New Delhi: The Delhi University will cite a 1943 letter written by an official in the government of British India to argue in the Supreme Court against construction of a highrise building on its north campus, varsity officials said on Thursday. The varsity in the apex court will oppose the construction of the 37-storey building on a public land sold to a private firm, they said.

The university has been opposing the construction on its north campus saying it will be in violation of the 2021 Master Plan of Delhi (MPD) and compromise with the safety of students. The varsity had even approached the Delhi High Court earlier in this connection which dismissed the petition in 2015 saying the land was not part of the university's north campus. The varsity again approached the high court this year challenging its order but the plea was dismissed as the court questioned the delay on DU's part.

According to a varsity official, Clause 11.3 of the 2021 Master Plan of Delhi (MPD) says, "Restrictions on tall buildings would be necessary in important areas like Lutyen's Bungalow Zone, Civil lines and North Delhi campus. In case of Urban Extension, areas for specific Urban Design projects and tall buildings should be identified." The building is proposed to be constructed on a land which the DMRC sold to a private firm. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) had bought the land from the Defence Ministry for Rs 42.4 crore, said a varsity official, adding a portion of the land, which was for public and was even acquired on public money was subsequently sold to a private builder for Rs 218 crore.

However, a varsity official said when they had petitioned in the high court, they did not have the copy of the 1943 letter written by the then joint secretary to the Government of India, the Department of Education, Health and Lands.