Delhi Court Halts Eviction of Madrasi Camp Residents Amid Flyover Construction Dispute

The Delhi High Court has temporarily halted actions against Madrasi Camp residents facing eviction for flyover construction. The court has asked authorities to confirm if the colony blocks water flow. Residents demand relocation to alternate land as they have lived there for over 50 years.

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday instructed authorities to hold off on taking any action against the residents of Madrasi Camp at Old Barapullah Bridge, who are facing eviction to make way for a new flyover.

A bench led by Acting Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela served notice to the Delhi government, Public Works Department (PWD), and Delhi Development Authority (DDA) following a plea from the residents of JJ cluster Madrasi Camp in Jangpura.

The core issue being considered by the court is whether the colony is blocking water flow. The bench noted that if it is impeding water flow, necessary actions must be taken to clear the drain to prevent flooding in Delhi, while ensuring residents are relocated.

The court requested status reports from authorities within ten days to ascertain the colony's impact on water flow. Advocate Prabhsahay Kaur, representing DDA, affirmed that the colony obstructs the Barapullah drain water flow, with the PWD expected to provide further details.

The court has demanded assurance from DDA and PWD lawyers that no immediate action will be taken against the residents, who were served with eviction notices last week and were instructed to vacate within five weeks. Residents insist on being offered an alternate site before moving from their homes of over 50 years.

(With inputs from agencies.)