The NDMC, on the other hand, contended the drive was carried out to “clear pedestrian walkways and roads from encroachments to ease the traffic and pedestrian movement”.
The Corporation also said that such encroachment removal drives on public roads were regularly carried out in all wards or zones with or without notice under various sections of the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957 with prior intimation to local police.
However, the petitioners had raised doubts over the need for the demolition drive and argued that under the Act, no demolition could take place until the person had been given a reasonable opportunity to be heard.
The Bench during the hearing also wondered if removal of stalls, chairs and tables, required the use of a bulldozer by the civic body. Justice Gavai asked,
“To remove these you need a bulldozer?”
Source: Barandbench
