New Delhi, March 8 (IANS) The Delhi High Court Monday directed a woman to pay Rs.1.7 crore for using for commercial purposes a residential plot alloted to her by the central government. Since the woman has died, her heirs have been asked to pay the fine.

The property, situated in posh Friends Colony, was leased out to Savitri Devi for residential purposes in the year 1976 but she rented out her premises for commercial purposes over the years.

Taking action against the misuse of the property, the Land and Development Office had claimed charges of around Rs.1.7 crore for misusing the premise between 1976 to 1992 and imposed a penalty of about Rs.16.8 lakh on her.

Savitri Devi approached the Delhi High Court where a single judge bench granted her relief but a division bench headed by acting Chief Justice Madan B.Lokur set aside the order and asked her heirs to pay the charge and the penalty.