HC orders action against leprosy centre encroachers

The court had taken a suo motu cognizance of the matter last year that the 50-acre land meant for leprosy patients in Tahirpur Leprosy Complex,Northeast Delhi,was encroached on by the land mafias. The Delhi government and the welfare department were asked to take action. The department,however,repeatedly bought time for inspection and scrutinising the claims of those residing in the complex.

The court then summoned the Director of the Social Welfare department,after which it was assured that the matter would be considered by the Delhi cabinet.

Senior Advocate Arvind Nigam,amicus curiae in the matter,told the Bench that no positive action could be expected from the authorities as “they were scared to visit the society because of the nature of the ailment”.

Taking strong note,the Bench asked the Committee to hold its first meeting within 15 days to chalk out a plan of action.

Tahirpur Complex was set up as a colony exclusively for leprosy patients on a 50-acre plot in the 1970s. The MCD and the Social Welfare department are the owners of the plot.

After a survey,the Deputy Commissioner (Northeast) had submitted a report that of the 1,810 houses constructed for leprosy patients at Tahirpur,1,614 had been illegally occupied. Besides,many shops were run in the area by “outsiders”. While there are panchayats and pradhans to manage the affairs,the report stated they obtained hefty amount for commercial use.