The Delhi High Court has directed residents of three slum clusters near the Prime Minister's official residence to vacate within six weeks. The court emphasized that rehabilitation must ensure human dignity and provide essential amenities.

  • Three clusters—Bhai Ram Camp, Masjid Camp, and DID Colony—must be vacated within six weeks.
  • Residents are to be relocated to the DUSIB Colony in Savda Ghevra.
  • A monitoring committee led by retired judge Man Mohan Sharma will oversee the process.
  • The court mandated the provision of schools, electricity, and healthcare at the new site.

In a significant ruling on Tuesday, the Delhi High Court ordered the residents of three slum clusters located near the Prime Minister’s official residence in the Lok Kalyan Marg area to vacate their premises within six weeks. The court has directed the government to ensure their seamless relocation to alternative accommodation.

A division bench comprising Chief Justice DK Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia issued the order for residents of Bhai Ram Camp, Masjid Camp, and DID Colony. The court stated that if necessary, the authorities may proceed with eviction using police assistance after the six-week period to clear the land.

Read Also:American Seabed Drone Detects Submarine Drones Without Physical Cables

Mandatory Rehabilitation and Oversight

To ensure that the relocation is not merely a displacement but a meaningful transition, the court directed authorities to settle the residents in the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) Colony in Savda Ghevra. The court emphasized that the relocation must uphold the fundamental right to live with human dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution.

To supervise this sensitive process, the bench constituted a high-level monitoring committee chaired by Man Mohan Sharma, a retired officer of the Delhi Higher Judicial Services. This committee will include representatives from the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, DDA, Delhi Jal Board, and the health department to ensure all promised amenities are delivered.

The court underscored that rehabilitation must be meaningful, ensuring residents realize their fundamental right to live with dignity.

Security Concerns and Legal Context

The eviction is driven by national security imperatives. The Centre argued that these clusters are situated in a protected zone adjacent to an operational Air Force Station. Removing unauthorized constructions is deemed essential to strengthen defense infrastructure and secure the high-profile vicinity of the Prime Minister's residence.

The division bench previously rejected the appellants' arguments that the eviction violated the Delhi Slum & JJ Rehabilitation and Relocation Policy, 2015. Furthermore, the court strictly ordered that all undertakings regarding amenities—including LPG connections, schools, and dispensaries at Savda Ghevra—must be fully honored.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that this ruling sets a precedent for how urban land clearance in sensitive zones must be balanced with constitutional protections. The judicial intervention ensures that while national security is prioritized, the socio-economic rights of the most vulnerable populations are not discarded.

Did You Know?: The Lok Kalyan Marg area is one of the most high-security zones in India, housing several key government installations.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Where will the displaced residents be moved?
They will be relocated to the DUSIB Colony located in Savda Ghevra, Delhi.

2. Who will monitor the rehabilitation process?
A monitoring committee headed by retired judge Man Mohan Sharma will oversee the entire process.