Delhi Government seeks explanation from MCDs over lack of cleanliness

In a move that may trigger a tussle between Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) controlled municipal corporations and Delhi government, the Aam Aadmi Party dispensation has ordered a crackdown against civic bodies over lack of cleanliness, following which district magistrates issued 267 notices seeking an explanation from civic officials.

"267 notices under CrPC Section 133 (were) issued to MCDs (Municipal corporation of Delhi) yesterday for unsatisfactory sanitary conditions," Delhi Health Minister Satyendra Jain tweeted.

The move comes days before the Delhi Assembly meets for a two-day special session starting June 9 to discuss the working of the three civic bodies — East Delhi Municipal Corporation, North Delhi Municipal Corporation and South Delhi Municipal Corporation — with respect to sanitation.

According to Delhi government, the notices have been issued to officials of three MCDs under Section 133 of CrPC which empowers District Magistrate (DM), Sub Divisional Magistrate (SDM), and Executive Magistrate (EM) to act on the basis of complaints or otherwise for removal of nuisance from any public place that may be injurious to the health or physical comfort of the public.

A senior government official claimed this provision in criminal law also makes it clear that in case the DM is satisfied about the necessity to invoke this section for the health safety of general public, it cannot be challenged in court.

"With these orders, it is clear that the officials concerned of the three MCDs will have to provide reasonable explanations for the lack of satisfactory cleanliness and hygienic conditions in their respective jurisdictions, failing which further legal action will be initiated," the official said.

Three days ago, Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal had accused the BJP-controlled civic bodies of turning the city into a garbage bin.

Aam Aadmi Party is gearing up for elections to the three civic bodies to be held next year.