Cannot go against court orders to demolish slums, says Delhi CM

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta interacting with local residents at Haiderpur in New Delhi, where she launched the construction of a Jan Sewa Camp on Sunday (June 8, 2025). | Photo Credit: PTI

Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said on Sunday (June 8, 2025) that the Government cannot go against court orders to demolish slums or remove encroachments. She promised the slum dwellers that there will be no unlawful demolitions.

Responding to criticism from the Aam Aadmi Party over the demolition of Madrasi Camp on June 1, Ms. Gupta said the court had ordered its demolition as the Camp had encroached on the Barapullah drain causing waterlogging in the area, and hindering silt removal.

Speaking at an event to launch the construction of a Jan Sewa camp at a slum cluster in Haiderpur, Ms. Gupta told the residents not to worry as they are lifeline of the city and the Delhi government would not demolish their homes. “There were three recent demolitions. The first at Madrasi Camp was on the orders of the court. The second was at Wazirpur where a railway line was being encroached upon, and the third at Jailorwalabagh, where flats have been handed over to residents.” she said. “If a railway line is being encroached, and there is an accident, then who will be responsible for it?” she asked. “In Jailorwalabagh, if slum dwellers are rehabilitated and new people come and settle in the slum demanding compensation, the government will have to act.”

Protest path

AAP Delhi State president Saurabh Bharadwaj said the party held meetings with slum dwellers and had decided to launch a major movement against the demolitions on June 29. “I appeal to all jhuggi residents — join this movement and raise your voice for your rights. We will gather at Jantar Mantar on June 29 and appeal to the Central government to take appropriate action on this issue,” said the AAP leader who visited the Madrasi Camp.

The party criticised Mr. Gupta, saying the displaced residents of Madrasi Camp were provided homes in faraway Narela, and even those lack basic amenities. Leader of the Opposition Atishi questioned why the BJP was not staying true to its promise of ‘Jahan Jhuggi, Wahi Makaan’ (in-situ rehabilitation).

In a post in Hindi on X, Atishi said: “Rekha ji, did the court also say that the BJP should not fulfil its promise of ‘Jahan Jhuggi, Wahi Makaan’? If the slums had to be demolished, then why weren’t people given houses in nearby areas? “Most people from the Madrasi Camp didn’t get any housing. Those who did were given dilapidated houses 40 km away in Narela with no jobs, roads, schools or hospitals.”

AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh who too visited the Madrasi Camp on Sunday, wrote a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi urging him to order an immediate halt to all demolitions in slum areas, and ensure rehabilitation to all those displaced.

Published - June 08, 2025 08:48 pm IST