MrPramod Ahuja, Advocate. v. GOVT OF NATIONAL CAPITAL TERRITORY OF DELHI &ANR

1. The petitioners in the above petitions are the allottees of industrial sheds / flats by the Delhi State Industrial and Infrastructure Development Corporation (hereafter 'DSHDC'). The petitioners are desirous that the industrial sheds allotted to them be converted from leasehold to freehold. The petitioners also claim that they have deposited the conversion charges with the DSIIDC for the said purpose.

2. They have filed the present petitions, essentially, being aggrieved by inaction on the part of the DSIIDC in converting the aforesaid properties from leasehold to freehold.

3. One of the principal reasons for inaction in conversion of the properties from leasehold to freehold is impasse between DSIIDC and the Delhi Development Authority (hereafter 'the DDA'). It is the case of the DDA that although the structure may belong to the DSIIDC but the land in question belongs to the DDA and, therefore, the DDA is entitled to the conversion charges and not the DSIIDC. It is seen that the similar issue is also involved in the case ofShikha Gugnani &Anr. v. Govt. ofNCT & Ors: WP(C) No.9772/2015.

4. By the order dated 08.05.2018 passed in Shikha Gugnani's case, the Co-ordinate Bench of this Court had found a workable solution. The relevant extract ofthe said order is under.

•4 this fact. She says that there could be some additional charges that may have to be paid by the petitioners.

8. Having regard to the aforesaid, DSIIDC is directed to convert the subject property from leasehold to freehold.

9. A conveyance deed will be executed in favour of the petitioners. In case, additional charges have to be paid the petitioners will deposit the same upon DSIIDC giving them due intimation. Furthermore, if any other formalities are required to be fulfilled, the petitioners will also comply with the same. * 10. The needful will be done by DSIIDC within eight weeks from today.

11. Insofar as the conversion charges received from the petitioners are concerned, they will be deposited in ano-lien interest bearing Account by DSIIDC. As to which entity will. finally enjoy the benefit of the same, shall be determined upon final adjudication ofthe writ petition."

5. This Court is ofthe view, that it would be apposite to follow the said procedure in these matters as well. Accordingly, DSIIDC is directed to /./ \ r s convert the said properties from leasehold to freehold provided the petitioners deposit the necessary conversion charges with the DSIIDC and otherwise comply with all other requirements. The issue whether the DDA or DSIIDC is entitledto appropriate the conversion charges, would nothold up the applications filed by the petitioners for conversion ofthe properties allotted to them, from leasehold to freehold. All charges received by the DSIIDC for convertingthe properties in question shall be deposited in ano lien interest bearing Account.

6. It is clarified that nothing stated herein should be construed as an expression of opinion that the petitioners are otherwise entitled to conversion ofthe respective properties allotted to them.

7. The issue as to whether the DDA or DSIIDC would be entitled to the same shall abide by the decision ofthis Court in Shikha Gugnani (.supra), which this Court is informed is pendingbeforethe Co-ordinateBench ofthis Court.

8. It is further directed that in the event, the petitioners are not eligible or have not complied with the requirement under the conversion policy, 9 DSIIDC shall communicate the same to the petitioners within two weeks from today.

9. The present petitions are disposed of in the above terms. All the pending applications, ifany, are also disposed of

10. Order under the signatures ofthe Court Master.