May 12, 2007, 17:15 GMT
New Delhi, May 12 (IANS) Hundreds of traders held a 'Maha Panchayat' (grand meeting) in the capital Saturday and said that the ongoing sealing drive in the city is a violation of their fundamental rights.
'Sealing is in violation of Articles 14 (equality in the eye of law), 19 (protection of certain rights regarding freedom of speech), 21 (protection of life and liberty), 39A (equal justice and free legal aid) and 41 (right to work) of the Indian Constitution and traders are made to bear the brunt of the abject failure of government agencies,' said traders' leaders in a statement.
They said the government has posed a major threat to the livelihood issue of tens of thousands of traders and they would fight it from 'road to parliament'. 'It's bringing social and economic injustices to people.'
They also blamed government lawyers for failing to present the real situation before the Supreme Court.
They passed resolutions and demanded that all commercial establishments constructed before Dec 31, 2006, should be legalised. They also demanded regularisation of the identified colonies soon.
The sealing operation against commercial units running in violation of the new Delhi Master Plan 2021 is underway in the city.
© 2007 Indo-Asian News Service
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