NEW DELHI: The Delhi High Court has directed that the demolition of Madrasi Camp will begin from June 1, while issuing a set of instructions to ensure a smooth rehabilitation process for its residents.
A division bench of Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora stressed that the demolition must be carried out in a systematic manner and that proper resettlement of the camp dwellers is necessary to clear the Barapullah drain.
The Court clarified that the occupants of the camp have no claim over the land apart from their right to rehabilitation and said that the area is public land that has been encroached upon. It also noted that the demolition had been on hold since September 2024 and that the residents were well aware of the legal proceedings, having participated in a survey meant to determine their eligibility for relocation.
To facilitate the process, the Court had instructed that the DDA, MCD, DUSIB, PWD and the Delhi Government must organise two assistance camps between May 10 and May 12. One will be held for issuing possession letters for flats in Narela, while the other will handle loan sanctions where needed.
“Parallelly, the DDA/DUSIB shall ensure that all the amenities in the flats such as fixtures and fittings are available, by 20th May, 2025; After 20th May, 2025, the eligible persons/dwellers from the Madrasi Camp shall start moving their belongings to the respective flats allotted to them in Narela,” the Court said.
“Insofar as the Provision D(iv) of DUSIB Protocol providing for a two month period from the date of allotment for shifting is concerned, this Court is of the view that the relocation of the Madrasi Camp dwellers to Narela is of utmost urgency and significance, particularly in light of the approaching monsoon season,” read the court order on May 9.
The Court further said that timely clearance of the Barapullah drain is imperative to prevent severe waterlogging in the adjoining areas. Moreover, it is pertinent to note that this Court has been seized of the matter, including the issue of shifting the Madrasi Camp, for over ten months. It further said, “If any of the residents choose not to take the possession letters or avail of loan facilities, no further opportunity shall be granted to them for seeking allotment of the flats at Narela or any rehabilitation camps.”
Between May 20 and May 31, all belongings are to be shifted from the camp. For those who missed the initial survey, the Court said a fresh one could be conducted by the DUSIB to determine eligibility. The case originated from a petition concerning illegal constructions over several drains leading into the Yamuna River.
These encroachments, including the one at Madrasi Camp, were said to be blocking the drains and worsening pollution in the river. Earlier, the Court had observed that the existence of the camp was obstructing the natural flow of the drain, causing major waterlogging problems during rain.