New Delhi: What can be considered to be a temporary sigh of relief for the Delhi traders, the Apex court today allowed the ongoing de-sealing of the sealed unauthorised business premises in the city, being conducted by the municipal bodies in the city.

The de-sealing is being done under the aegis of the notification issued by the Union Urban Development Ministry on January 30, 2008, which has virtually set aside the order of the Supreme Court to seal all the unauthorised business enterprises being run in the residential areas of the city.

The sealing drive had created ripples among the city residents leading to violent protests against the drive and forcing the Government (both at union and the state) to come out with a remedial measure catering to the grievances of its electorate.

As a result, the Union Urban Ministry had on January 30, 2008 notified: "Notwithstanding any judgement, decree or order of court, steps shall be taken by the local authority, including de-sealing, to maintain status quo as on January 1, 2006, in respect of encroachment or unauthorised development”. The apex court is already hearing various petitions filed for and against the sealing drive.

Delhi Residents protest against the sealing drive

However, the relief of Denizens may not last too long, as taking cognizance of the Urban Development Ministry's notification, the apex court Bench comprising Justice Arijit pasayat, Justice L S Panta and Justice C K Thakker noticed the Centre seeking explanation about the basis of grounds on which the Urban Development Ministry issued such a notification when the matter is still sub-judice.

The apex court has fixed July 7, 2008 as the next date for hearing the petition filed by Delhi Pradesh Citizen Council, an NGO seeking dismissal of the notification declaring it "unconstitutional and illegal".