Fri May 23 03:53:04 UTC 2025: Okay, here’s a summarized news article based on the provided text:

**Headline: Delhi Government Backs Down, Scraps Chandni Chowk Redevelopment Committee After High Court Rebuke**

**New Delhi, May 23, 2025** – The Delhi government has been forced to retract its earlier decision to form a high-level committee overseeing the redevelopment and maintenance of Chandni Chowk, following sharp criticism from the Delhi High Court. Admitting to a misinterpretation of a previous court order, the government informed the court on Thursday that it would scrap the committee.

The High Court expressed its displeasure at the government’s unilateral action in forming the committee, clarifying that it had only requested suggestions for such a body, not the actual creation of it. The court stated its intention was to supervise the work done in the area.

The government counsel assured the court that the committee would be dissolved immediately, a submission the court accepted. The court then directed all parties to submit their suggestions within four weeks regarding the structure and terms of reference for a new, court-sanctioned committee. The original proposal for such a committee, made in February, envisioned a body comprising high-ranking officials from various agencies and relevant experts, tasked with creating a roadmap for the area’s maintenance and preservation.

The High Court further criticized the government’s past efforts in Chandni Chowk, noting that despite the existence of the Shahjanabad Redevelopment Corporation and significant funding, the area remained neglected, requiring repeated judicial intervention. The court acknowledged the government’s claims of beautification but highlighted ongoing issues with vandalism and high foot traffic.

The case originated from a plea by the Chandni Chowk Sarv Vyapar Mandal, citing the “highly neglected, disturbing and pathetic state of affairs” in the area under the Chandni Chowk Redevelopment Project, spanning from Lal Quila Road to Fateh Puri Masjid.

The court is now awaiting revised suggestions from all parties to establish a more effective and collaborative approach to the Chandni Chowk redevelopment.

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