Government is considering promulgating an ordinance before 31st December to prevent sealing of shops and showrooms in residential areas in the capital.

“There was an ordinance to this effect and we are considering to extend it,” Urban Development Minister Jaipal Reddy said today on the sidelines of a function in New Delhi.

The Delhi Laws (Special Provision) Act, 2009, which provided immunity to such shops from sealing and demolition, is expiring on 31st December after which they would come under the MCD axe.

“There is a need to protect them. We will seek cabinet approval to bring in an ordinance for it so that the stay on sealing is extended,” Reddy said.

Shops in residential areas were sealed and later de-sealed by the MCD during the past two years in New Delhi.