‘Vacate in six weeks’: Delhi High Court orders over 350 slum dwellers near PM House to relocate

The Delhi High Court has given more than 350 residents of three slum clusters near the Prime Minister’s residence six weeks to vacate their homes and shift to alternative accommodation at Savda Ghevra.

The direction was issued by a division bench of Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia, which also ordered the formation of a seven-member committee to oversee the rehabilitation process for six months.

Residents to shift to Savda Ghevra

The court said residents of BR Camp, Masjid Camp and DID Colony must move to accommodation allotted to them in a DUSIB colony at Savda Ghevra within the six-week period.

“The appellants shall vacate their dwelling units in the three Jhuggi Jhopri bastis at B.R. Camp, Masjid Camp and DID Colony within six weeks from today and within this period they shall be settled in the accommodation allotted to them in DUSIB Colony at Savda Ghevra, Delhi, whereafter they shall be evicted to clear the land, if necessary, with the assistance of the police.”

The court also directed the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board to help residents transport their household belongings.

“DUSIB, in terms of Clause 7(vi) of the Draft Protocol contained in the Circular dated 14.06.2016, shall facilitate transportation of household articles/belongings of appellants to the place of their accommodation,” it said.

Court stresses rehabilitation with dignity

In its 49-page judgment, the court said rehabilitation must be meaningful and effective and protect the right to life with human dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The seven-member committee will be headed by retired Delhi higher judicial service officer Manmohan Sharma. It will include senior officials from DUSIB, the Delhi Development Authority and Delhi Jal Board, along with representatives from the Union housing ministry and Delhi government departments dealing with education and health.

The Centre has also been asked to immediately notify the committee.

Residents had challenged relocation

The judgment came in an appeal against a May 11 order by a single judge, which had given the residents 15 days to vacate.

The residents had argued that the relocation process did not follow the applicable policy and questioned why they were being shifted to Savda Ghevra instead of being rehabilitated in place.

They said their families had lived in the camps for generations and relied on nearby employment, while their children attended local schools. They had argued that relocation could affect their livelihoods, education and Article 21 rights.

The court also directed authorities to honour an earlier undertaking providing free Delhi Metro travel for one member of each rehabilitated family for one year.