Delhi High Court Stays Demolition Notices for 115 Jamia Nagar Residents; Supreme Court Hearing Next Week
UP News: Approximately 115 residents of Jamia Nagar, located in Okhla, Delhi, recently fought a significant legal battle against demolition orders issued by the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department. They filed a petition in the Delhi High Court seeking a stay on the orders that threatened the demolition of their homes and shops. On Friday, the Delhi High Court granted them relief, staying the demolition proceedings. The court explicitly instructed that no action be taken until the next hearing.
The Case
On May 22, the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department issued notices claiming illegal construction on properties located in Khasra number 277, Muradi Road, Khijra Baba Colony in Jamia Nagar. The notices stated that these houses and shops were illegally built on Irrigation Department land and must be removed within 15 days, warning of legal action if non-compliant.
Residents' Challenge and the High Court's Decision
Challenging the demolition orders as unlawful, 115 Jamia Nagar residents filed a petition in the Delhi High Court. They argued that the land was their legitimate property and that demolishing their homes and shops without due process was unjust. The High Court, taking the petition seriously, directed the Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department to refrain from any demolition until the next hearing, scheduled for August.
Why the Demolition Process was Contested
Authorities claimed the land in Jamia Nagar belonged to the Irrigation Department and the houses and shops were illegal constructions. Such cases often involve conflict between local administration and government agencies like the Irrigation Department. These disputes can lead to the demolition of homes, significantly impacting people's lives. Therefore, the court imposed the stay to allow for a thorough investigation and a just resolution.
Supreme Court Hearing Scheduled
In addition to the Delhi High Court petition, the Jamia Nagar residents also filed a petition against the demolition in the Supreme Court. While the Supreme Court initially referred the matter to the Delhi High Court, it has now decided to hear the petition next week. The Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud and Justice J.B. Pardiwala will hear the case.
