MT Desk: The Delhi High Court has halted the demolition drive by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) in Batla House till July 10. This move has brought relief to 52 Muslim families.
The DDA had issued eviction notices calling these homes illegal. However, families questioned the claims and say that they have been living here for decades. One of them is a 60 year old man, Hakimuddin who says that he has been living in the area since birth. “They do not know our history. We are shocked to know that we are now at the brink of facing demolitions,” he argues.
Lawyers fighting for these families have condemned the move by the DDA and noted that the DDA hasn’t specified which properties are illegal.
On 16th of June, Justice Tejas Kriya directed the DDA to maintain Status Quo giving relief to 44 families out of 52.
Some residents even possess documents that date back to the 1980s and have accused DDA of not listening to their pleas. Speaking to local media channels, residents expressed disappointment at the actions of authorities and fear about what the future holds for them. According to the Delhi CM Rekha Gupta, this is a broader rehabilitation program. “We are focused on permanent housing. FIRs will be registered against those spreading misinformation about demolitions,” she says.
Until the next court hearing, the families await for justice with hope and patience.