The Delhi High Court was assured by the Land and Development Office (L&DO) that it has no intentions of demolishing the historic ‘Army Press’ located in north Delhi’s Khyber Pass area. This declaration came in response to concerns raised by a petition regarding the property’s possession.
During a hearing before Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain, the Central Government’s counsel clarified the L&DO’s position, stating that the decision aligns with a 2010 High Court order which stipulated that “no coercive steps be taken” against the property’s occupants. The L&DO confirmed that it would adhere to the due process of law as outlined in the order, and therefore, has no current plans to demolish the property.
The Army Press, a significant site nestled in the Khyber Pass of Civil Lines, spans approximately 1013 square yards. It was under threat of a demolition drive scheduled for early Saturday, a move that had alarmed many, including the families of national pistol coach Samaresh Jung and his Commonwealth gold medalist wife, Anuja.
The court’s recent session stemmed from an application seeking clarification after a 2022 order threatened the removal of alleged unauthorized occupation and constructions in the area. In light of the counsel’s statement and the historical directive, the court chose to dismiss the application, thus removing the immediate threat to the Army Press and its occupants.
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This judicial decision follows a series of petitions and legal battles concerning the property. On July 9, a separate challenge by residents of the Khyber Pass Hostel against a demolition notice was dismissed by the High Court. That petition aimed to protect around 200 families residing in the hostel hutments for nearly 73 years from eviction and the demolition of their homes.
