Delhi High Court Orders Relocation of Slum Dwellers Near PM Modi’s Residence
The Delhi High Court has issued a directive for residents of three slum clusters located near Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s residence in the Race Course area. The court has mandated that these residents vacate their current dwellings within six weeks and relocate to an alternative site provided by government authorities. This decision was delivered by a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia.
The court’s order states, “The appellants shall vacate the dwelling in the three jhuggi jhopris within six weeks from today. And within this period, they shall be provided with the accommodations allotted to them in DUSIB Colony. Whereafter, they shall be evicted to clear the land, if necessary, with the assistance of the police.” The bench further noted that there had been no breach of the rehabilitation policy in this case.
While affirming the government’s obligations, the court emphasized that authorities are bound by previous court orders to ensure the availability of amenities at the DUSIB Colony relocation site. In a move to oversee the rehabilitation process, the court has appointed a committee led by former Delhi judge Manmohan Sharma. This committee will include members from various Delhi and Central government departments, tasked with ensuring that promised amenities are provided to the relocated residents. The court has directed the government to promptly notify the committee’s formation.
Background of the Case
The Division Bench’s decision followed appeals by residents from Bhai Ram Camp, DID Camp, and Masjid Camp against a previous single judge’s ruling that upheld their eviction. These camps are situated near the Race Course area, with residents being relocated to a DUSIB Colony in Savda Ghevra, outer Delhi.
Residents argued that moving hundreds of families to a distant location would significantly disrupt their livelihoods, education, and access to healthcare. Many residents work in central Delhi as drivers, domestic workers, and laborers, and they expressed concerns that relocation would put their jobs and children’s education at risk.
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Government’s Standpoint
The Central government defended the eviction on grounds of national security, citing the proximity of the camps to sensitive military sites near an operational Air Force station. The government assured the court that essential infrastructure such as sewer lines, water supply, parks, and roads exist at the new relocation site, with further developments underway. Additionally, the government agreed to cover the ₹1.12 lakh beneficiary contribution typically required under rehabilitation rules, allowing families three months to pay maintenance charges.
In a prior ruling dated May 11, 2026, the single judge had ordered residents to vacate the area within 15 days. However, the Division Bench, while affirming the constitutional protection of the right to shelter and livelihood under Article 21, ruled that the revised six-week period for relocation would not infringe on constitutional rights, provided authorities adhere to rehabilitation policies and ensure proper facilities.
Legal Representation
The petitioners Khushnuma Khan and others were represented by Advocates Pankaj Sinha, Garima, and Sunil Tiwari. Senior Advocate Sandeep Sharma, along with Advocates Javed and Kavya Dauk, represented petitioners Rakesh Bansal and others. The Union of India was represented by Additional Solicitor General (ASG) Chetan Sharma and a team of advocates, including Syed Abdul Haseeb, Nasreen Khatoon, Muhammad Aamir Khan, and others. Advocates Anuj Chaturvedi, Richa Dhawan, and Yashita Jain appeared for DUSIB.
