NEW DELHI, 23 September 2006 — As traders continued their agitation for the third day yesterday against sealing of commercial units in residential areas, the federal government filed a fresh affidavit in the Supreme Court saying the notification issued Sept. 7 is a valid piece of delegated legislation, complying with all the procedures mandated by the Delhi Development Act of 1957.

This notification, permitting mixed and commercial use of land on many roads in Delhi’s residential areas, rests on an amendment of the master plan. After considering views of different sections of society, including the Tejender Khanna Committee, Board of Enquiry in DDA (Delhi Development Authority) and the federal government, the master plan was amended.

In addition, the affidavit states, various representations received from a wide range of stakeholders, including residents welfare associations, traders’ associations, individuals and other organizations, incorporated appropriate changes in the proposed law.

The government filed the affidavit in response to a petition filed by the Delhi Pradesh Citizens’ Council challenging Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act, 2006.

As traders took to the streets yesterday again in protest against the drive to seal unauthorized businesses in residential areas, they received a moral boost with doctors deciding to support them. The Indian Medical Association held a demonstration in east Delhi in support of the traders.

Describing this as a “minor victory,” Pravin Khandelwal, president of the Confederation of All India Traders Association, said traders will continue their protest.

Political activists have begun blaming rival parties for the situation. Accusing the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Ram Babu Sharma, chief of the Delhi Pradesh Congress Committee, said: “The BJP is trying to get mileage out of the issue. Hence it is politicizing the whole issue. Both our government and the party are with the traders. We will do whatever is possible to bring relief to the citizens.” BJP state unit chief Harsh Vardhan said the crisis had put the livelihood of over two million people at stake, “but the government seems to have no rehabilitation plan for them.” He also asserted that his party would keep up the fight for the traders until a solution is found.

Angry traders blame civic authorities for the current situation. “’Commercial establishments have been coming up in Delhi for the last four decades and they are now branding it illegal. Why did they not stop it earlier? It is the corrupt practices and vested interests of MCD (Municipal Corporation of Delhi) officials that is responsible for the present condition,” Khandelwal said.