The apex court, though, imposed a rider: owners of such premises will have to abide by the final order on the issue of legality of notification allowing de-sealing in certain areas.

A January 30 notification, brought by the Urban Development ministry, had allowed the civic authorities to de-seal premises that were earlier sealed as per the apex court’s orders in unauthorised colonies, slums, and lal dora areas.

A Special Bench headed by Justice Arijit Pasayat and comprising Justices D K Jain and L S Panta also ordered that owners whose premises will now be de-sealed have to submit an undertaking, with an assurance that final order passed by the apex court would be complied with. The Bench gave 10 days to file such an undertaking before de-sealing process begins.

Last week, the Delhi Pradesh Citizen Council challenged the UD ministry’s notification permitting de-sealing. The Council’s petition, filed through advocate Jasbir Singh Malik, sought the notification to be declared “unconstitutional, unjust and illegal”. The petition claims the notice was issued for political consideration, and as an attempt to overreach the Supreme Court’s orders.

The petition said the government exercising its powers under Section 5 of National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special Provisions) Act, 2007 has been trying to protect properties not protected by the Act.

Following the submissions, the Bench also sought a public notice to implement of the order. It said the notice’s format would be worked out in consultation with the amicus curiae — counsel assisting the court.

The court also asked the UD ministry, Delhi government, MCD and DDA to file their response by April in view of the changed circumstances. It allowed any other interested party to furnish their response by May 14, posting the matter for further hearing later.