The Delhi High Court on Tuesday asked the Municipal Corporation of Delhi (MCD) to refrain from carrying out any demolition action against two houses in Uttam Nagar linked to individuals accused in a Holi clash case that resulted in the death of a 26-year-old man. The court directed that no steps be taken until the matter is heard again on March 11.
Justice Amit Bansal passed the direction while hearing petitions filed by Jarina, the mother of accused Imran, and Shahnaz, whose children were questioned by the police in connection with the incident. The petitioners sought protection for their residential premises located in JJ Colony, Uttam Nagar, alleging that demolition action was being initiated in an arbitrary and unlawful manner.
During the hearing, the judge instructed authorities to maintain status quo until the next hearing. “Tell them, between now 4 o’clock and 10:30 am tomorrow when this matter is taken up, nothing should happen. List tomorrow,” Justice Bansal said.
The petitioners approached the High Court seeking interim protection after demolition action was recently taken against another property linked to the case. Their counsel urged the court to prevent any demolition in the meantime, while the counsel appearing for the authorities requested that the matter be taken up on Wednesday.
In her plea, Jarina stated that the demolition of the house belonging to accused Umardeep by the MCD had created an atmosphere of fear and insecurity in the locality. She argued that there was a genuine apprehension that her house might also be demolished without following due legal process.
The petition further contended that demolition cannot be used as a punitive measure in criminal cases. According to the plea, authorities are required to issue a show-cause notice and provide the affected parties an opportunity to be heard before carrying out such action.
Both petitioners also claimed that the dispute, which they described as a personal conflict between neighbours, had been given a communal angle. They alleged that certain religious groups and anti-social elements were issuing threats to them.
The controversy follows an incident on March 8 when the MCD demolished part of a house belonging to the family of an accused in the Uttam Nagar killing case, stating that the structure had been built over a drain. Officials from the civic body maintained that no prior notice was required as the action was part of an anti-encroachment drive.
The clash that triggered the legal dispute occurred during Holi celebrations in southwest Delhi’s Uttam Nagar. Authorities said the violence involved two neighbouring families who had a long-standing dispute. The confrontation resulted in the death of a 26-year-old man.
Police have since apprehended several individuals, including a minor, in connection with the incident. The High Court will take up the petitions for further hearing on March 11.
