HC notice to Delhi Govt, DDA, MCD over illegal use of Nizamuddin West public park
Court asks all agencies to file replies within four weeks
The Delhi High Court on Monday issued a notice to the Delhi Government, Delhi Development Authority (DDA), Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Nizamuddin West Association in connection with a writ petition alleging illegal encroachment and conversion of a public park into a party lawn for commercial use in the Nizamuddin West area.
Justice Mini Pushkarna, while hearing the matter, mentioned that the writ petition seeks directions to take action against the Nizamuddin West Residents’ Welfare Association (RWA) for the alleged encroachment, conversion of a designated public park into a party lawn, and its commercial exploitation by hosting weddings, parties and other commercial events at the public park adjacent to the Nizamuddin West Community Centre.
The court issued notices to all agencies, directing them to file their replies within four weeks, with liberty to the petitioner
to file rejoinders thereafter, if any.
The petition has been filed by Shiraz Parveen, a senior citizen (85) and a permanent resident of Nizamuddin West.
Appearing on behalf of the petitioner, advocate Sumit submitted that despite repeated complaints and representations made to the authorities concerned, no effective or meaningful action has been taken, leaving the petitioner with no alternative but to approach the High Court.
Emphasising the petitioner’s advanced age and fragile medical condition, the advocate submitted that frequent late-night events involving loud music, bursting firecrackers, illegal parking, waste dumping and unauthorised construction have resulted in severe environmental nuisance and serious health consequences for the petitioner and her family.
The plea states that the petitioner suffers from multiple ailments, including high blood pressure, renal impairment, hyperthyroidism and cardiac issues, all of which are alleged to have been aggravated by the ongoing activities at the site.
Relying on official layout plans of the DDA, the petition contends that while one pocket in the locality is earmarked for a community hall, the disputed site is specifically designated as a public park. It is alleged that this park has been illegally converted into a “party lawn” by the Nizamuddin West Association.
The plea also points out that the petitioner had previously approached the authorities concerned. However, no meaningful action followed, prompting the filing of the present writ petition under Article 226 of the Constitution.
