Press Release of the Ministry of Urban Development

The Ministry of Urban Development strongly denies any wrongdoing in any manner with regard to the property at Block No. 48, Diplomatic Enclave, Sardar Patel Marg, New Delhi.

The approval for construction has been accorded only up to four storeys in line with other existing buildings of the same height in the vicinity, strictly as per the written advice of Delhi Police and Ministry of Home Affairs. Communications of December, 2012 shown on television portrays as if permission for high rise has been given which is misleading and incorrect as no such permission has been given.

The land use of the plot is ‘Residential’ as per all the Master Plans for Delhi, i.e. MPD 1962, 2001 and 2021. Hence, the permitted use of land is residential. Further as per MPD 2021, Group housing is permissible on plots of area more than 3000 sq. mtrs. Permission for Group housing on this plot had previously also been accorded by the Ministry on 5.10.1998.

The Ministry has acted strictly in compliance to the Court orders. In this matter, the Single Bench, Delhi High Court vide order dated 6.5.2010 and Division Bench of the Chief Justice of Delhi High Court vide order dated 3.6.2011 laid down time limits for compliance.

The decision of the Ministry is based on the Court order, advice of the Security agencies and the provisions of the Master Plan 2021. No independent or arbitrary decision has been taken by the Ministry.

NB/BK