The Delhi High Court on Wednesday asked the Delhi Government to file a response, pointing out the suggested measures for rehabilitation of a homeless woman, who has taken shelter at a park in M Block Market of Delhi’s Greater Kailash.
The Single-Judge Bench of Justice V. Kameswar Rao was dealing with a petition filed by a salon owner whose shop is opposite to the park.
Filed by Advocates Saurabh Sharma, Mayank Barua and Puja Kumari Shaw, on behalf of one Rohtash Kumar, the plea alleges that the woman, who does not have any shelter and suffers from ill-mental health, has caused ruckus and nuisance in the area by harassing and distressing the customers and visitors coming to the market-place.
The plea points out that a number of complaints have been filed against her for disturbing tranquility and unnecessarily abusing visitors, customers and shop owners in the market area. “Petitioner and others on many occasions has approached the police as well as concerned authority for the purpose of suitable action and rehabilitation of the respondent no.3 (woman), but no action has been taken till date, by the police or the concerned authority,” claims the plea.
Stating that the woman is always being involved in getting into heated argument or picking up fights with passer-by and customers visiting market as also with shop owners and their staffs without any reason which is not good for her own safety, the plea prays for her rehabilitation and care.
During the course of hearing, Advocate Anuj Aggarwal, representing the Delhi Government and the Delhi Police, informed the Court that there is difficulty in removing the woman from the park where she has taken shelter as she is well-versed with her rights.
Justice Rao remarked thus: “We can’t just give a direction like this. Human rights, human life, everything is involved.”
The Court asked the Delhi Government to file a Status Report pointing out the antecedents of woman and suggested measures for her rehabilitation.
The Court appointed Advocates Shobhana Takiar and Prabhsahay Kaur as amicus curiae for assisting the court in the matter and posted it for 21 February, 2022.