Delhi HC Considers Rehabilitation Safeguards for Lok Kalyan Marg Slum Dwellers, Bars Coercive Action Till May 26

The Delhi High Court on Tuesday directed authorities not to take any coercive action, for the time being, against residents who are yet to vacate their homes in three slum clusters situated near Lok Kalyan Marg, where the Prime Minister’s official residence is located.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice D. K. Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia was hearing an appeal filed by certain residents of Bhai Ram Camp, DID Camp and Masjid Camp challenging a Single Judge order that had earlier declined to interfere with their eviction.

The Bench listed the matter for further hearing on May 26 and orally directed the authorities not to proceed with any coercive measures against the residents in the meantime.

“We have law officers, the ASG is here, the DUSIB counsel is here. Don’t do anything till Monday,” the Bench orally observed.

The Court also asked counsel appearing for the authorities as well as the appellants to obtain instructions regarding the issue of ensuring decent rehabilitation for the residents proposed to be shifted from the camps.

During the hearing, the Bench suggested the constitution of a commission to examine the condition of the proposed relocation site and assess the availability of essential amenities such as sanitation and water facilities.

The Court further sought the stand of the Union Government on the possibility of providing metro passes and bus passes to the relocated residents for a temporary period to ease the transition.

Senior counsel appearing for the appellants urged the Court to grant interim protection to the residents, pointing out that they were facing a deadline of May 25 to vacate the premises.

On May 11, a Single Judge of the Delhi High Court had refused to interfere with the eviction process and directed the residents to vacate the three camps within fifteen days.

The Union Government had justified the eviction on grounds that the jhuggi-jhopdi clusters were located within a protected and highly sensitive zone immediately adjacent to an operational Air Force Station and near the Prime Minister’s residence.

According to the Centre, the decision to remove the unauthorised settlements was taken to strengthen defence infrastructure and address important public safety and national security concerns.

The authorities further informed the Court that in-situ rehabilitation was not feasible due to the non-availability of alternative accommodation in the vicinity. Consequently, a decision had been taken to relocate 717 residents from the three slum clusters to Savda Ghevra.

The matter will now be heard on 26.05.2026.

Case Title: Rakesh Bansal v. Union of India