Jaipal reddy, Minister for Urban Development, said that the government will abide by the orders of the Supreme Court of India in matters relating to sealing of unauthorised shops in residential areas of delhi.

"The Supreme Court's orders are paramount and binding and we will abide by them," he said.

He was briefing newsmen at North Block after a meeting of of the group of ministers headed by the home minister Shivraj Patil. Reddy admitted that the situation was difficult and needs to be handled with a humanistic approach.

"We will now present the facts before the cabinet for a decision to be taken for the benefit of the citizens of Delhi.

Reddy refused to name the options before the cabinet, including issuance of a notification bringing the shops under 9th schedule.