Delhi High Court Orders Status Quo On Batla House Demolitions After Residents Challenge Notices

The Delhi High Court has ordered the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to maintain the status quo on certain properties in Batla House colony. This follows writ petitions filed by residents challenging demolition notices.

A vacation bench of Justice Tejas Karia issued the order. The residents claimed their homes either fall outside Khasra No 279 or are covered under the PM-UDAY Scheme. The court sought a response from DDA and other parties involved.

Petitioners withdraw SC plea

When DDA’s counsel questioned the maintainability of the High Court petitions, the residents agreed to withdraw a similar plea from the Supreme Court.

In response, the High Court directed the DDA to submit a counter-affidavit within four weeks.

The court listed the matter for hearing on 10 July 2025 before the Roster Bench. Until then, it ordered that both parties maintain the status quo.

Notices and political intervention

The DDA’s action follows a Supreme Court directive to clear encroachments from public land. The apex court allowed affected residents to pursue legal remedies against the demolition orders.

Residents argued that authorities had not followed due process. They said they were denied a chance to prove ownership or seek rehabilitation before eviction.

On 22 and 26 May, the UP Irrigation Department and DDA issued notices referencing Khasra numbers 277 and 279. The Delhi High Court has temporarily stayed the UP department’s demolition.

Last week, the court declined to hear a PIL filed by AAP leader Amanatullah Khan. A division bench, led by Justices Girish Kathpalia and Tejas Karia, said only directly affected residents can challenge the demolitions. Khan withdrew the PIL after the bench expressed reluctance to grant relief.

In its 11 June order, the court noted that Khan, MLA from Okhla, would inform residents of their right to take legal steps. The bench dismissed the PIL as withdrawn.

Also Read: Delhi High Court Rejects Shabir Shah’s Bail Plea In NIA Terror Funding Case