A Division Bench of Acting Chief Justice Mahinder Narain and Justice Mukul Mudgal -- while hearing a public interest writ petition on the deteriorating law and order in the Capital -- demanded to know ``why the government is sitting on the files for demand of additional police (by Delhi Government) for many years?'' The court has also asked the Centre to clarify how many times the Delhi Government raised the issue of needing additional police personnel.

The court has directed the Delhi Government to file an affidavit on the deteriorating law and order situation in the city by Wednesday.

On July 23 the court agreed with petitioner Rajeev Awasthi that reports of robberies and murders were increasing and have caused an alarming situation as the authorities seem to have failed in their effort to maintain law and order.

The petitioner urged the court to direct the Police chief to place the status report with regard to the steps taken for ensuring the safety and security of the public at large. Arguing the case, Rajeev Awasthi requested the court to direct the Delhi Government and city police to improve law and order.

The petition sought a direction from the court for immediately clearing the proposal of setting up of new police stations and also recruitment of personnel in the Delhi Police.