The Supreme Court on Monday directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) to stop the demolition of illegal construction in Vishwas Nagar area for the next seven days, giving time to the dwellers to voluntarily leave the place.
The Bench of Justice Aniruddha Bose and Justice Sanjay Karol, while refusing to interfere with the Delhi High Court order, gave liberty to DDA to resume the demolition activities, if the dwellers did not vacate the place by May 29.
The Counsels representing the petitioners contended that DDA was carrying out demolition in the scorching heat. They urged the Apex Court to order a status quo, pointing out that no alternative arrangements have been made for them.
The Counsel representing the DDA submitted that both the Single Bench and the Division Bench of the High Court had already sustained the case of DDA for removal of these residents from the dwellings as they were illegal encroachers.
The Apex Court observed that since the demolitions started at 8:am this morning, it cannot do much for the dwellers, except giving them time of seven days to vacate the premises. It further refused to interfere with the High Court order over the petitioners’ right to reside at their current dwelling place.