The Delhi High Court on Monday (August 6) directed CBI to take stringent action against the authorities who have allowed illegal and unauthorized construction in Delhi and told the investigating agency to file monthly status reports in regards to the action taken by them.

The single-judge bench of Justice Mukta Gupta further said to the investigating agency that if prosecution is launched against somebody, the court shall deal with the matter expeditiously.

The bench was acting on the plea pertaining to illegal and unauthorised construction in Delhi, under the supervision of Municipal Corporation of Delhi.

Citing the seriousness of the issue, the bench further appointed Senior Advocate Daya Krishnan as the amicus curiae.

The matter will be heard again on September 6.

During the course of proceedings, the bench sought to know from the MCD whether its earlier order of shifting the 108 ft Hanuman Statue at Karol Bagh have been complied or not.

The bench was informed that it has not been complied.

Expressing anger at the authorities, the bench said this has to be dealt with heavy hand. “Every person who is attached to this fraud has to be dealt with heavy hand. Such kind of activity on the public land is not at all permissible in the name of religion and same is equal to criminal activity.”

—India Legal Bureau