Delhi HC Gives Slum Dwellers Near Lok Kalyan Marg 6 Weeks to Relocate
The Delhi High Court has granted residents of three jhuggi clusters near the Prime Minister's residence at Lok Kalyan Marg six weeks to vacate their homes and relocate to alternative accommodation at Savda Ghevra.
A Bench of Chief Justice D.K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia also ordered the formation of a monitoring committee, headed by a retired judicial officer, to oversee the rehabilitation of residents from Bhai Ram Camp, Masjid Camp, and DID Colony. The court emphasised that the rehabilitation process must be meaningful and safeguard the residents' right to live with dignity under Article 21 of the Constitution.
The order was passed on appeals filed by the slum residents challenging a single-judge bench's May 11 judgment, which had refused to interfere with their eviction and had given them 15 days to vacate. Eviction notices had originally been issued in October 2025.
The Central government justified the eviction by stating that the jhuggi clusters were situated in a protected zone adjoining an operational Air Force Station. Authorities submitted that removing the unauthorised structures was necessary to strengthen defence infrastructure and serve important public and security interests. The Centre also maintained that in-situ rehabilitation was not feasible due to the lack of suitable alternative accommodation in the vicinity.
While rejecting the residents' argument that the eviction violated the Delhi Slum & JJ Rehabilitation and Relocation Policy, 2015, the Division Bench ruled that authorities must strictly adhere to assurances given regarding facilities at the new site.
The court stated that commitments regarding essential amenities at Savda Ghevra—including schools, electricity, LPG connections, bus passes, and dispensaries—must be fully honoured. Additionally, the court directed the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board (DUSIB) to facilitate the transportation of household belongings for the 717 residents scheduled to relocate to Savda Ghevra.
