Delhi High Court Issues Directions For Smooth Rehabilitation Of Madrasi Camp Dwellers, Orders Demolition From June 01

The Delhi High Court has issued a slew of directions for smooth rehabilitation of the Madrasi Camp dwellers in the national capital, while ordering that the demolition of the camp will commence from June 01.

A division bench comprising Justice Prathiba M Singh and Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora observed that the demolition ought to be done in a systematic manner and that rehabilitation of the Madrasi Camp dwellers is also essential for the de-clogging of the Barapullah Drain.

It said that none of the dwellers can claim any rights beyond the right of rehabilitation, as the land is public land which is encroached upon by them.

The Bench noted that demolition was kept in abeyance since September 2024, and the residents of the Madrasi Camp were fully aware of judicial proceedings as most of them had participated in the Survey which was conducted for evaluating eligibility for rehabilitation.

The Court directed that the DDA, MCD, DUSIB, PWD and Delhi Government shall hold two camps from May 10 to May 12. One camp would be for handing over possession letters of the Narela flats and the second camp shall be for sanctioning loans, if required.

“Parallelly, the DDA/DUSIB shall ensure that all the amenities in the flats such as fixtures and fittings are available, by 20th May, 2025; After 20th May, 2025, the eligible persons/dwellers from the Madrasi Camp shall start moving their belongings to the respective flats allotted to them in Narela,” the Court said.

It added: “If any of the residents choose not to take the possession letters or avail of loan facilities, no further opportunity shall be granted to them for seeking allotment of the flats at Narela or any rehabilitation camps.”

The Bench ordered that from May 20 to May 31, all the belongings shall be moved from the Madrasi Camp.

It added that if any residents or dwellers in the camp have missed out on the survey, a Survey would be conducted and the said residents can get their eligibility determined by the DUSIB accordingly.

The bench observed that the relocation of the Madrasi Camp dwellers to Narela was of utmost urgency and significance, particularly in light of the approaching monsoon season.

It said that timely clearance of the Barapullah drain was imperative to prevent severe waterlogging in the adjoining areas.

The Court was dealing with a plea raising the issue of several drains discharging into the Yamuna River were unauthorisedly encroached upon, with illegal construction being carried out thereon, resulting in blockage of the drains and contributing to pollution in the river.

Regarding the issue of Madrasi Camp, the said camp was found to be an illegal construction or encroachment on the bank of the Barapullah drain. 

The Court had earlier observed that the presence of the camp was causing obstruction and clogging of the drain, resulting in severe waterlogging in the adjoining areas during rains, especially during the monsoon season.

Title: SHABNAM BURNEY v. UNION OF INDIA& ORS

Citation: 2025 LiveLaw (Del) 536

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