The Delhi High Court on Friday directed the central government to provide detailed information regarding the condition, teacher-student ratio, and location of schools in the Savda Ghevra area, where authorities plan to relocate residents from three slum clusters located near Lok Kalyan Marg, which houses the Prime Minister's official residence.
Court Orders Affidavit on School Infrastructure
A bench comprising Chief Justice D K Upadhyaya and Justice Tejas Karia instructed the Centre's counsel to file an affidavit specifying the number of schools in the proposed relocation area, the availability of teachers, and the general condition of these educational institutions. The directive came during the hearing of an appeal filed by residents of Bhai Ram Camp, DID Camp, and Masjid Camp, challenging a single judge's order that refused to interfere with their eviction from the area.
Free Travel Arrangements for Relocated Residents
The bench also sought clarity from the Centre regarding its arrangements with the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to ensure free travel for the relocated individuals for a period of three years. Additional Solicitor General Chetan Sharma informed the court that DTC could issue bus passes for one year, which could be extended further. While the metro does not have a free travel scheme, Sharma suggested that the Land and Development Office could reimburse the amount to DMRC. He also claimed that several schools in the vicinity could accommodate the children of relocated residents.
Residents' Plea for Relocation Within 5 km Radius
Counsel representing the affected residents argued that they "cannot be thrown to the wolves" and urged the Centre to relocate them within a five-kilometer radius of their current homes. The bench responded by asking the Centre to consider this request as well. The high court sought the Centre's response after the appellants alleged that the alternative housing site in Savda Ghevra, near the Tikri border, lacks basic facilities such as schools, electricity, and sanitation.
Background of the Case
Earlier this month, a single judge declined to interfere with the eviction and directed the residents to vacate the camps within 15 days. The Centre had sought eviction on grounds that the slum clusters are located in a protected zone adjacent to an operational Air Force Station, and that removing unauthorized construction is necessary to strengthen defense infrastructure and meet security requirements. While dealing with the appeal, the high court had previously directed the Centre not to take coercive action against those who had not yet vacated their homes. The matter has been listed for further hearing on June 4.
