Delhi HC Grants Reprieve to Pakistani Hindu Refugees Facing Demolition, Orders DDA to Halt Action

New Delhi: The Delhi High Court has put a temporary hold on the demolition of a camp housing Pakistani Hindu refugees in Majnu ka Tilla, located near the Yamuna River. This comes after a petition challenging a demolition notice issued by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on March 4th, 2024.

Refugees Seek Alternative Accommodation:

• The petition argues for a stay on demolition until suitable alternative housing is provided for the roughly 800 refugees residing in the camp.
• Advocate RK Bali, representing the refugees, emphasized the need for the DDA to prioritize constructing embankments along the Yamuna to safeguard the area.

Government’s Stance and CAA:

• Bali highlights the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and the government’s commitment to providing shelter and support to displaced minorities from Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Afghanistan.
• He anticipates that the recently notified CAA rules will pave the way for granting citizenship to these refugees.

Concerns Regarding Selective Eviction:

• The petition raises a point regarding the presence of other establishments, including a gurudwara, a temple complex, and residential apartments, situated within the Yamuna floodplain.
• Advocate Bali argues that the selective targeting of the refugee camp for eviction seems unfair.

History of Settlement:

• The petition clarifies that the refugees settled in the area in 2011 based on directions from the Delhi High Court itself.
• The government, according to Bali, provided them with basic amenities during their stay.

Current Status:

• The High Court has scheduled the next hearing for March 19th, 2024.
• Until then, the DDA is restrained from undertaking any demolition activities in the camp.

This development highlights the ongoing challenges faced by displaced communities and the need for a comprehensive solution that addresses their housing needs while considering flood plain regulations and potential safety concerns.