Delhi Batla House Demolition Ordered Amid Resident Opposition

In Southeast Delhi's Batla House neighborhood, residents are facing imminent demolition orders issued by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) following a Supreme Court directive to remove encroachments on disputed land parcels. Many longtime residents, including families who have lived there for decades, express fear and frustration over losing their homes and lifetime savings, questioning the government's prior provision of utilities such as electricity and water to these properties. Legal efforts to stay the demolitions, including a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) filed by AAP MLA Amanatullah Khan, were withdrawn or declined, with courts advising affected individuals to seek relief through individual petitions. The demolition notices, with a compliance deadline in early June 2025, have cast a pall over community events and heightened tensions in this predominantly Muslim neighborhood. Meanwhile, residents and local leaders have challenged the DDA's claims, asserting that some homes targeted do not fall under the disputed land, and called for a more localized assessment before enforcement. The situation highlights ongoing conflicts between urban development authorities and communities over land rights and encroachment issues in Delhi.