The Delhi High Court has intervened to temporarily prevent the eviction of residents from Madrasi Camp near the Old Barapullah Bridge area, who were facing displacement due to a planned flyover construction. The bench, consisting of Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, issued notices to the Delhi government, its Public Works Department (PWD), and the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), following a plea from the residents of the JJ cluster at Jangpura.
During the proceedings, the court emphasized the need to ascertain whether the colony was obstructing water flow, a critical factor given recent flooding issues in the city. “If it is impeding the water flow, surely it has to go. The city is getting flooded unnecessarily…We can’t allow the city to be flooded again and again. If the drain has to be cleared, it has to be cleared,” stated Acting Chief Justice Manmohan.
However, the justices also assured the residents of their right to be adequately rehabilitated. “We will ensure you are shifted to alternate land. We will ask the authorities to rehabilitate you. We will give you a right to rehabilitation,” the bench affirmed, reflecting a balanced approach to the infrastructure development and the residents’ rights.
The court has requested the authorities to submit status reports within 10 days to clarify whether the Madrasi Camp colony is indeed impeding the water flow. This directive came in response to the Delhi Development Authority’s counsel, Advocate Prabhsahay Kaur, who noted that the colony’s location on the Barapullah drain contributes to water flow obstruction.
The urgency of the court’s intervention was underscored by the imminent actions planned against the residents, scheduled for September 12. In response, the court directed DDA and PWD lawyers to ensure no immediate eviction actions are taken, allowing time for a fair assessment and preparation of suitable rehabilitation measures.
