Human rights panel to move HC

Bathinda, February 16

The general secretary of the Punjab Human Rights Committee, Bathinda, Ved Parkash Gupta, who had earlier filed a public interest litigation (PIL) against illegal commercial buildings, today blamed the MCB for adopting a pick and choose policy while demolishing illegal buildings in the city.

Buildings constructed by those who have no political strings are demolished while those with political clout are not touched at all, he said.

The Punjab Human Rights Committee has noted that an illegal shop constructed by a relative of a senior officer of the MCB was demolished sometimes ago but when the officer was transferred back to the city, the shop was again constructed at Hanuman Chowk.

Another example of illegally constructed commercial building is in Afim Wali Gali, which was built against the Punjab and Haryana High Court orders.

The Punjab and Haryana High Court passed an order on November 3, 2008, ordering the MCB to stop commercial establishments in Afim Wali Gali.

The PIL was filed in the High Court by three residents — Dr Vitull K Gupta, Surinder Katia and Ved Parkash Gupta.

“Till today, the MCB has not taken any action against these illegal buildings despite several reminders. The Punjab Human Rights Committee is planning to go to the High Court if no action is taken by the MCB,” said Ved Parkash Gupta. — TNS