KKN Gurugram Desk | The Batla House area in Delhi has been gripped by fear of demolition in recent days. Residents of Muradi Road and Khijar Baba Colony have found red markings on their homes and shops, with notices from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the UP Irrigation Department warning them to vacate their properties within 15 days. The demolition is set to begin on June 11, 2025. This action comes after the Supreme Court’s order on May 7, 2025, triggering concerns and unrest among local residents, particularly from the Muslim community, in the run-up to Eid. Let’s dive into the details of the ongoing land dispute and the potential consequences for the residents of Batla House.
Supreme Court’s Order and the Growing Tension in Batla House
The tension in Batla House began after the Supreme Court’s directive on May 7, 2025, which instructed action against unauthorized constructions in certain areas of Delhi. Under this directive, colonies outside the PM-UDAY (Pradhan Mantri Urban Development and Affordable Housing) scheme were marked for demolition. The DDA, in compliance with the court’s order, identified a 2.8 Bigha land on Muradi Road, while the UP Irrigation Department claimed 4.5 Bigha of land in Khijar Baba Colony as their own.
On May 26, 2025, notices were posted on buildings in these areas, giving residents a 15-day deadline to vacate their properties. The timing of the notices, right before Eid, has escalated the concerns of the Muslim families residing in these areas. Many fear the destruction of their homes, which could leave them homeless just before the festival.
The Link with UP Government and Land Ownership Disputes
A key aspect of the dispute is the differing claims over the land. The UP Irrigation Department asserts that the land in Khijar Baba Colony is part of their jurisdiction. However, the residents of the colony have countered this claim, arguing that they have lived in the area for decades, with proper documents such as electricity bills, rent receipts, and property tax records. These documents, they contend, prove that they have a legal right to stay in the area.
Similarly, the DDA has raised objections to the legality of properties in the Muradi Road area, claiming they fall outside the PM-UDAY scheme’s boundaries. However, the local residents argue that they have valid records dating back to before 2014, which should entitle them to remain on the land.
Legal Battle and Supreme Court Hearing
In response to the notices, over 40 affected individuals filed petitions in the Supreme Court, challenging the legitimacy of the demolition orders. Senior advocate Sanjay Hegde, representing the petitioners, argued that the notices had been issued without a proper hearing, violating the principles of natural justice. Despite this, the Supreme Court, on June 2, 2025, declined to grant interim relief, though it agreed to list the matter for a hearing in July 2025.
While the Supreme Court has yet to offer a resolution, Khijar Baba Colony’s residents have received temporary relief from the Delhi High Court, which extended their eviction deadline to August 4, 2025. Advocate Farooq Khan pointed out that the UP Irrigation Department had previously lost similar land claims in the Okhla area, suggesting that the residents might succeed in their fight to retain the land under the PM-UDAY scheme and the Property Rights Act of 2019.
The Root of the Batla House Land Dispute
Batla House, located in Jamia Nagar, Delhi, is a densely populated area, divided into regions like Muradi Road and Khijar Baba Colony. The roots of the ongoing land dispute trace back to the conflicting claims made by the DDA and the UP Irrigation Department. The DDA has declared around 3 Bigha of land on Muradi Road as illegal, while the UP Irrigation Department has staked a claim to 4.5 Bigha of land in Khijar Baba Colony. Both authorities have issued notices to vacate the premises within 15 days, despite the residents’ claims that they hold legitimate documents proving their right to stay.
For many residents, the fear of forced eviction is a constant reality, with a deadline looming just days away. The tension surrounding the potential demolition has left many families anxious and uncertain about their future. Despite holding documents dating back many years, the uncertainty of the legal battle and the pressure from the authorities has created an atmosphere of fear and helplessness in Batla House.
What is the PM-UDAY Scheme and Its Relevance in Batla House?
The PM-UDAY scheme, launched by the Government of India, aims to regularize unauthorized colonies in urban areas. Under this scheme, residents of such colonies are granted legal rights to their properties, provided they meet certain conditions. However, areas like Muradi Road and Khijar Baba Colony, where the current disputes are centered, fall outside the PM-UDAY scheme’s scope. This exclusion has left many residents vulnerable to eviction, despite their longstanding residence in the area.
The residents of Batla House are now pushing for regularization of their properties under the PM-UDAY scheme and the Property Rights Act of 2019. They argue that they have the right to remain on the land, as they possess valid documents that prove their residence prior to the designated cut-off date of 2014. If successful, these legal actions could protect their homes from demolition and provide them with the necessary security of tenure.
The Growing Fear of Bulldozers
The fear of bulldozers demolishing homes in Batla House is more than just a matter of property loss—it represents the loss of a community’s roots and identity. Many residents are worried that the demolitions will lead to displacement, leaving them with no place to live or conduct their livelihoods. This sense of insecurity is especially heightened due to the abrupt nature of the notices and the looming deadline of June 10, 2025, when residents are expected to vacate their homes.
The situation has sparked a broader conversation about the rights of urban poor and marginalized communities living in unauthorized colonies across Delhi. As the city grapples with issues of urbanization and land acquisition, questions about the fair treatment of such residents and their access to legal protection remain at the forefront.
The Political Dimensions of the Batla House Land Dispute
Beyond the legal and social implications, the Batla House land dispute also carries political weight. Delhi has been a hotbed of political activity, with various parties vying for the support of the urban poor, especially in areas like Batla House that have large Muslim populations. The current situation has raised questions about the timing of the demolition notices and the involvement of the Uttar Pradesh government, which has made claims on land in Batla House through its Irrigation Department.
Local politicians and activists have criticized the move, arguing that it disproportionately affects the poor and marginalized residents of the area. The political discourse surrounding the Batla House land dispute highlights the intersection of urban policy, legal frameworks, and community rights in Delhi.
What’s Next for Batla House?
As the deadline for eviction approaches, the residents of Batla House remain in a state of uncertainty. Legal battles continue to unfold in the courts, while the authorities have maintained their stance on demolitions. The involvement of both the DDA and the UP Irrigation Department has complicated matters further, leaving the residents caught between two governmental entities with competing claims over the land.
For now, Batla House residents are left to navigate the complicated legal processes, with the hope that the courts will grant them relief from the looming bulldozer threat. Whether they will succeed in their fight for property rights remains uncertain, but one thing is clear—the ongoing dispute has shone a light on the vulnerability of marginalized communities living in unauthorized colonies and their struggle to secure their homes and livelihoods.
The situation in Batla House continues to develop, with residents anxiously awaiting the outcome of their legal battle and the possibility of eviction. As the date for the demolition approaches, the community faces an uncertain future. The interplay between legal rights, government claims, and the socio-political dynamics of the area will continue to shape the outcome of this dispute. Whether the residents of Batla House can successfully retain their properties remains to be seen, but their fight for justice is far from over.
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