Dalmandi, a vibrant market with over 10,000 shops primarily run by Muslim traders, faced threats of large-scale displacement due to government plans to widen narrow lanes in the congested locality
PRAYAGRAJ — The Allahabad High Court on Saturday put a stay on the proposed demolition of properties in Varanasi’s historic Dalmandi area. The area was slated for clearance as part of the Kashi Vishwanath Corridor redevelopment’s road widening project.
Dalmandi, a vibrant market with over 10,000 shops primarily run by Muslim traders, faced threats of large-scale displacement due to government plans to widen narrow lanes in the congested locality. The project raised serious concerns about the loss of livelihoods and forced eviction without due process.
A bench comprising Justices Salil Kumar Rai and Arun Kumar Singh Deshwal ordered a stay on the demolition on a petition filed by Senior Advocates Syed Farman Ahmad Naqvi, Zaheer Asghar, and Syed Ahmed Faizan. They represented the Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR).
The petition highlighted alleged coercion by Public Works Department officials who pressured residents and shopkeepers to vacate their properties without any formal land acquisition or compensation.
During proceedings, the State assured the court that no eviction or demolition would occur without lawful acquisition.
Earlier, on May 9, the court had directed the parties to maintain the status quo on the houses coming under the purview of the Dalmandi road widening. Also, the court had sought a reply from the state government and the district administration in the matter within a week.
The counsel for the petitioners argued that the state officials were threatening to demolish the houses without acquiring land and homes for road widening.
Saturday’s order has been put in place as a safeguard for the rights of residents and traders.
This interim relief is a significant victory for the Dalmandi community, offering protection from forced eviction until legal ownership and compensation issues are resolved.
