July 26, 2025

In a significant development, the Delhi High Court has granted a temporary stay on demolition proceedings in Indira Colony, benefiting over 6,000 residents who were facing eviction. The court's decision, made in response to a petition from the Indira Colony Resident Welfare Association, halted the planned demolition set for Saturday and ordered that no further action be taken until the next hearing, scheduled for July 31. The eviction notice issued by Northern Railway on July 4, which claimed unauthorized occupation of railway land, was the trigger for the residents' petition. The court recognized the need for a detailed examination of the circumstances surrounding the case. This legal intervention comes against a backdrop of heightened political tension. At a recent press conference, Leader of the Opposition Atishi articulated the sentiment of the residents, reminding them of the Prime Minister's pre-election commitment to provide “pucca” houses to slum dwellers under the slogan ‘Jahan Jhuggi, Wahan Makaan’. According to Atishi, the current government has failed to uphold this promise, pointing out that bulldozers have become synonymous with the plight of the poor under the BJP administration. Bandana Kumari, the former MLA from Shalimar Bagh and a member of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), echoed Atishi's concerns by recounting the panic that ensued when the eviction notice was posted. She noted that despite assurances from Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, who represents the area, the threat of bulldozers remains palpable, exacerbating the residents' sense of insecurity. Kumari expressed disbelief that assurances about legal processes and rehabilitation have not materialized, as previous demolitions occurred without due process. In defense of the eviction, the counsel representing the Northern Railway argued that the land in question is owned by the railway and that the occupants are illegally residing there. The counsel maintained that the eviction notice was lawfully issued. The crux of the residents' argument hinges on a violation of Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees the right to life and dignity, including the right to shelter. They also highlighted that the eviction did not comply with the laid-out procedures in the Delhi Slum and JJ Rehabilitation and Relocation Policy, 2015, along with the 2016 Draft Protocols. The residents emphasized that none of the required protocols were followed prior to the issuance of the eviction notice. According to the petitioners, Indira Colony is listed as Serial No. 74 on the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board's (DUSIB) register of suitable jhuggi jhopri (JJ) bastis. For demolition to be legitimate, a thorough assessment of the colony's eligibility for rehabilitation must occur, as stipulated by the protocols. Only if deemed ineligible can eviction procedures commence. While the court's order provides a temporary respite for the residents of Indira Colony, the underlying issues concerning land rights and the promises made to slum dwellers remain unresolved. As the next hearing approaches, the focus of both the legal proceedings and the political discourse will likely intensify. It poses a critical question about the future of housing policy for the underprivileged in urban India and whether governmental assurances will translate into action. As the residents await clarity, sentiments of uncertainty linger. The Indira Colony case exemplifies broader systemic challenges faced by marginalized communities, especially in the context of rapid urban development and the struggle for basic rights to housing and shelter. The upcoming court hearing may hold significant implications for the future of Indira Colony and similar settlements across the capital.

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Tags: Delhi high court, Indira colony, Demolition, Eviction, Atishi, Residents, Northern railway,