The Delhi High Court on Tuesday (August 25, 2026) 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 constitution of a monitoring committee, headed by a retired judicial officer, to oversee the rehabilitation of residents of Bhai Ram Camp, Masjid Camp and DID Colony.

The court emphasised that the rehabilitation process must be meaningful and must safeguard the residents’ right to live with dignity, an integral component of the right to life guaranteed under Article 21 of the Constitution.

The court passed the order on appeals by the residents of the slums challenging a single-judge’s May 11 judgment, which had refused to interfere with their eviction.

The Centre had justified the eviction on the ground that the jhuggi clusters were situated in a protected zone adjoining an operational Air Force Station. According to the authorities, the removal of unauthorised structures was necessary to strengthen defence infrastructure and serve important public and security interests.

While rejecting the residents’ contention that their eviction violated the Delhi Slum & JJ Rehabilitation and Relocation Policy, 2015, the Division Bench made it clear that the authorities must strictly comply with the assurances given to the Court regarding facilities at the relocation site.

The court noted that the commitments relating to schools, electricity, LPG connections, bus passes, dispensaries and other essential amenities at Savda Ghevra must be fully honoured.

The court also directed DUSIB to facilitate the transportation of the residents’ household belongings to their allotted accommodation.

The single judge had earlier granted the residents 15 days to vacate, noting that eviction notices had first been issued in October 2025 and that sufficient time had already elapsed.

The Centre had maintained that in-situ rehabilitation was not feasible because no suitable alternative accommodation was available in the vicinity. As a result, 717 residents from the three jhuggi clusters are to be relocated to Savda Ghevra.

For residents living in three slum clusters – Bhai Ram Camp, DID Camp and Masjid Camp – near the Prime Minister’s residence on Lok Kalyan Marg, the prospect of moving to Savda Ghevra, nearly 45 km away in north-west Delhi, is fraught with uncertainty. Many fear losing their livelihoods, access to health care and community support systems.

The Land and Development Office had issued eviction notices to hundreds of families in these jhuggi-jhopri (JJ) clusters in October 2025, asking them to vacate the land. The residents went to court, which directed compliance with the due process. In February this year, the authorities issued a final notice asking residents to vacate by March 6.

On June 15, the Delhi High Court provided interim relief to the JJ cluster residents, directing the authorities not to demolish until July 1 the houses of those who have neither vacated nor accepted alternative accommodation.

While the Delhi government has allotted flats to 717 eligible families in the Delhi Urban Shelter Improvement Board colony at Savda Ghevra under its 2015 rehabilitation policy, many residents are apprehensive about having to start all over again.

Staying put

In the narrow lanes of these settlements, residents could be heard discussing relocation plans amid the looming threat of demolition. While some families have shifted their belongings to the allotted flats, most continue to live in their old homes.

“We have sent our belongings to the flat in Savda Ghevra, but are yet to shift,” said a DID Camp resident.

Residents argue that the resettlement site threatens their means of survival. Many work within a 5-km radius of their current homes as domestic workers or drivers in nearby government offices. “Our workplaces are close by. If we move, we will lose our jobs,” said Sarovar Kumar, 45, who has lived in the area for 25 years.

“We have received the allotment, but our only source of income is the shop we run here, so we haven’t moved,” said Gohar Siddiqui, 28, a resident of Masjid Camp.

Essential services

Access to essential services remains another key concern. “My son has breathing issues and requires frequent hospital visits. That will not be possible there as there is no hospital nearby,” said Asma.

The residents also raised concerns over disruption in children’s education. “Some of our children are in Class 12, and we want them to continue their studies without interruption,” another resident said.

Safety, particularly for women, was cited as an additional worry. “We have heard that the area is unsafe. We are concerned about our safety and that of our daughters,” said Jyoti Samial, 46, a resident of Bhai Ram Camp.

Residents said they are not opposed to relocation but want rehabilitation that ensures access to livelihoods and basic services.\

(With inputs from Anisha Jyotirmayee)