SC on sealings: A timeline of flip-flops

FATE SEALED: It appears the apex court is avoiding a turf war with the Government.

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New Delhi: In a dilution of its earlier stand, the Supreme Court has allowed the de-sealing of commercial premises in unauthorised colonies of the national capital on the condition that owners abide by its final order on the issue of legality of the Centre's January 30 notification.

“The court has asked the traders to file an undertaking,” says advocate for RWAs, Jasbir Malik.

This order of the court will benefit farmhouses, shops in illegal colonies and urban villages. It’s the second time since last year that the court has retracted its orders in the face of stiff resistance by the Government.

It appeared the court was avoiding a turf war with the Government.

As a result, the court seems to have looked differently at the sealing controversy on different occasions in the past two years.

• February 2006, the MCD begins sealing after being asked by Supreme Court.
• Feb 2007: Government brings in Master Plan 2021, which exempts sealing of commercial establishments in identified colonies.
• Later that year, SC, for the first time, permits de-sealing of places protected under the Master Plan.
• December 2007: Parliament passes an act restraining sealing in Delhi till December 2008.
• January, 2008: A notification takes effect permitting de-sealing of premises sealed.
• February 2008: SC changes mind and permits de-sealing.

Over the last two years, frequent changes in the court's stance has complicated matters. As a result those who have suffered have begun complaining about injustice.

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