HC ‘shocked’ after demolished structure reconstructed

Expressing shock that a “piao” (drinking water kiosk) near Gurdwara Sis Ganj Sahib in Chandni Chowk which was demolished on Wednesday following the court’s order, was reconstructed overnight, the Delhi High Court on Thursday ordered its immediate removal and round the clock police presence in the area.

“How can you allow it to be reconstructed? Why wasn’t somebody posted? This is an upfront challenge to the court. This is not tolerable. We will issue contempt of court notices to those responsible,” said a division Bench of Justice S  Murlidhar and Justice Vibhu Bakhru said while issuing contempt of court notices to two leaders of the Sikh groups who were leading the mob after Wednesday’s demolition drive.

The court directed the North Municipal Corporation of Delhi to remove the water kiosk and cordon of the area until further orders.

An encroachment drive, undertaken by the civic body after the March 28 court orders for the removal of illegal encroachments, including illegal religious structures, in Chandni Chowk within two weeks, had triggered protests and violence in the area on Wednesday. 

Soon after the municipal officials accompanied by police demolished the water kiosk, a mob of devotees gathered on the spot and launched a protest. The protesters rebuilt the water kiosk after the municipal officials left.