"Why the ban on skyscrappers is continuing?" wondered J P Agarwal, a Congress MP from Delhi.

He asked Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy to remove restrictions on high-rise buildings.

"It is time New Delhi vies with major cities the world over," he said participating in a discussion on the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Bill, 2007.

Members, cutting across party lines, were critical of court-ordered demolitions and sealing of shops in the capital saying it had hit residents.

They asked the government to stand firm before courts as it was the task of the Executive and not court-appointed monitoring committees to carry out sealing and demolition of illegal constructions.

During the debate, members demanded regularisation of 1500 unauthorised colonies and framing of a comprehensive policy for farmhouses.