Supreme Court Upholds Authority to Seal Misused Properties in Delhi — Clarifies Powers of Municipal Corporation and Development Authority.

A) Municipal Law - Power to Seal Premises - Authority of MCD to Seal Misused Properties - Delhi Municipal Corporation Act, 1957, Section 345A - The Supreme Court held that the MCD has the power to seal premises misused for commercial purposes under Section 345A of the DMC Act, reversing the High Court's decision which denied such power. The court emphasized that sealing can be executed even before or after demolition orders, ensuring compliance with the law (Paras 12-13).

B) Development Law - Authority of DDA to Seal Premises - Delhi Development Act, 1957, Section 31-A - The court clarified that while the DDA has the power to seal unauthorized developments, the definition of 'misuser' must fall within the ambit of unauthorized development for such power to be exercised. The court distinguished between misuser and unauthorized development, indicating that sealing authority is contingent upon the nature of the misuse (Paras 14-15).

Whether the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) have the power to seal premises misused for commercial purposes.