NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has permitted authorities to initiate a demolition drive in Shalimar Bagh for public road expansion, granting residents until May 30 to vacate the area.
A bench comprising Justices Prathiba M Singh and Madhu Jain reviewed a petition from Saroj, a Shalimar Bagh local, representing around 98 residents living on government-acquired land in Haiderpur village.
The Delhi government was represented by Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma, Legal Aid Counsel Dheeraj Kumar Singh, and Standing Counsel Sanjay Kumar Pathak.
In an order dated April 6, the court remarked: “The advancement of infrastructural projects, especially those concerning essential services like healthcare, education, and fire safety, should not be delayed longer, as such delays adversely affect the residents of Shalimar Bagh.”
It noted that private occupants encroaching on public land must prioritize public interests, including residents’ needs and smooth vehicular traffic flow.
“This court believes that the road widening must proceed without further delay. Residents must ensure their cooperation so as not to hinder this process,” stated the bench.
The petitioners asked for protection against eviction, citing that several families have occupied the land for decades and would lose their homes if removed.
The court was informed that the land was already acquired and prior challenges to this acquisition were dismissed by the high court, with the Supreme Court also refraining from intervening.
Nonetheless, acknowledging the residents’ long-term occupancy, the court granted them until May 30 to vacate.
It mandated that until that date, residents would not be evicted, and authorities would not demolish their occupied structures.
The court also urged the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi (GNCTD) to sympathetically consider the occupants’ plea for ex-gratia compensation and make an appropriate legal decision.
“After May 30, 2026, authorities may proceed with the expansion of road No. 320 and remove unauthorized constructions,” the court stated.
“Until the allotted time to vacate concludes, the petitioners cannot be displaced, provided they cooperate with authorities as directed,” it added.
The Delhi government is implementing a demolition initiative to widen the Shalimar Bagh road by clearing unauthorized encroachments on land acquired decades ago.
Authorities assert that the road expansion is crucial for improving traffic flow and ensuring that emergency vehicles, like ambulances, have timely access to nearby hospitals and schools.
