The Delhi High Court, on Friday, directed the authorities to maintain status quo until February 14, 2023 with respect to the demolition of 400 Jhuggis located at Mehrauli.

“In light of the averment that Ghosiya Slum Colony is a Jhuggi cluster duly enlisted in the list published by DUSIB on its official website, which records 400 Jhuggis, as also the 2015 Policy and the fact that the Respondents do not have instructions in the matter, the Respondents are directed to maintain status quo with respect to the 400 Jhuggis verified by Respondent No. 2, until the next date of hearing.”, Justice Manmeet Pritam Singh Arora ordered.

This comes after a petition was filed by Gosiya Colony Sewa Samiti representing the dwellers of Ghosiya Slum Colony.

It was submitted that the Ghosiya Slum Colony duly appears at serial no. 18 of the DUSIB list published on their website in the year 2018.

It was submitted further that Code no. 769 has been assigned to this basti and it is located in Mehrauli and the list records existence of 400 Jhuggis. The petitioners therefore submitted that it is a notified JJ Cluster and the Jhuggis cannot be demolished in the manner sought to be done.

The Counsel for the petitioner stated that no eviction notice was served on the residents and the entire demolition action is entirely illegal.

Advocate Anuprada Singh had appeared for the petitioner whereas Shobhna Takiar, Standing counsel appeared for Delhi Development Authority.

The Court noted that "Learned counsel for the Respondent, DDA states as the petition has been provided post lunch, she as well has been unable to take instruction in this matter. She states matter be taken up got hearing on 14.02.2023."

The Court directed the Respondents- DDA and DUSIB to file their written submissions on or before February 13, 2023.

The Court listed the matter for February 14, 2023 while ordering status quo till then.

“At the request of the Respondents, list the matter on 14.02.2023 at 2.30 pm for hearing.”, the Court directed.

Cause Title- Gosiya Colony Sewa Samiti v. DDA

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