New Delhi: Stopping short of giving an order on the merits of the case, Delhi High Court on Wednesday allowed AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan to withdraw his PIL over demolitions in the Batla House area. The bench of Justices Girish Kathpalia and Tejas Karia declined to pass a general order of protection on the PIL, saying that any observation was likely to jeopardise the case of litigants who may approach the court in writ jurisdiction. Sensing the disinclination of the court to extend any relief, the senior counsel appearing on the AAP functionary’s behalf sought permission to withdraw the PIL.“The petitioner’s counsel seeks permission to withdraw the petition so that the petitioner, who is a public-spirited individual, informs the local residents of the Batla House area about their right to file appropriate proceedings before the appropriate forum…. The petition is disposed of,” the bench. It said that certain aggrieved persons had availed themselves of legal remedies and some had got relief.Senior advocate Salman Khurshid, representing Khan, said that the demarcation of the land in question was not done in line with the Supreme Court’s order. The Supreme Court on May 7 ordered “DDA to demolish unauthorised structures in khasra number 279”. Khurshid said the authorities intended to demolish properties of even innocent persons. DDA contended that the PIL was not maintainable considering SC’s direction. TNN
