Delhi High Court grants stay against eviction to a resident of BhoomiheenCamp, Kalkaji

In a case highlighting the challenges faced by residents of informal settlements in Delhi, the High Court of Delhi has directed the parties to maintain status quo in the matter of Sulakha v. Delhi Development Authority (DDA), WP(C) No. 361/2024.
The petitioner, Sulakha, a resident of A-62 Bhoomiheen Camp, Kalkaji, South Delhi, approached the court seeking protection from eviction and demolition of her jhuggi (shanty). She contended that despite fulfilling the eligibility criteria under the Delhi Slum & JJ Rehabilitation and Relocation Policy, 2015, the DDA had deemed her ineligible for relocation.
The petitioner argued that the DDA’s decision was based on her inability to produce a Ration Card and the absence of her name in the Voter ID list as of the policy’s cut-off date, January 1, 2015. However, Sulakha submitted that she had since provided both the Ration Card and updated Voter ID list, which confirm her eligibility for relocation and rehabilitation.
The court, after hearing preliminary arguments, issued notice to the DDA, and directed DDA to file a reply before the next hearing. In the interim, the court ordered DDA to maintain status quo, effectively preventing any eviction or demolition actions until the matter is decided.
This case underscores the precarious situation faced by many residents of informal settlements in Delhi, who often struggle to secure their rights under rehabilitation policies due to bureaucratic challenges and documentation issues.