Delhi Development Authority reaches Batla House with police to map properties after issuing demolition notices
NEW DELHI — Fear and frustration gripped the residents of Batla House on Wednesday morning as a team from the Delhi Development Authority (DDA), accompanied by police, arrived to carry out a property survey. The visit, following recent demolition notices issued to homeowners in the locality, created panic and confusion among families, especially women and children, many of whom feared being rendered homeless overnight.
The DDA officials began mapping houses and taking physical measurements under tight police security, even as local residents gathered in large numbers to question the legality and suddenness of the move. Tension escalated as community members raised slogans and confronted officials, demanding an explanation.
“We built our homes with our hard-earned money. Now, without even listening to us, they want to destroy everything. Where will our children go?” asked Sultana Shaheen, one of the 40 petitioners who approached the Supreme Court seeking protection against the demolition.
The demolition notices stem from a Supreme Court order dated May 7, directing the DDA and Delhi Government to take action against illegal constructions. Acting upon this, the DDA on May 27 pasted notices on dozens of houses in the Batla House and Jamia Nagar area, instructing residents to vacate within 15 days — by June 11.
No interim relief from SC !
The Supreme Court, however, on June 4 refused to grant interim relief or a stay on the demolition, advising the petitioners to approach the appropriate administrative authority. The next court hearing is scheduled for July.
For many families, this meant they had less than a week to leave their homes, most of which have been in possession since before 2014.
“We were not even made a party to the case. No notice was served earlier, and suddenly one day they stick demolition notices on our doors. This is an attack on our existence,” said advocate Adil Ahmed, who is representing the residents in court.
The locality of Batla House in South Delhi has long been home to thousands of middle- and lower-income Muslim families. It is one of the few areas in the city where Muslims feel socially secure. Residents now fear that the entire neighbourhood may be slowly dismantled under the guise of illegal construction removal.
“This is not just about buildings. This is about pushing Muslims out of their only safe spaces in the city,” said Shakeel Ahmad, a retired teacher and long-time resident. “Why are similar structures in other parts of Delhi not being touched? Why is it always Muslim areas?”
selective demolitions
Several residents and activists argue that the action is part of a wider pattern of selective demolitions seen in recent years — in Delhi’s Shaheen Bagh, Jahangirpuri, and Uttar Pradesh’s Muslim-majority towns.
“We see bulldozers only where Muslims live. This is not about development; this is about punishment and fear,” said Farhat Ali, a student of Jamia Millia Islamia. “They’re demolishing homes, not just walls.”
The affected property owners have cited Article 14 (Right to Equality), Article 19(1)(e) (Right to Reside and Settle), and Article 21 (Right to Life) of the Constitution in their petition. They also argue that they hold valid documentation showing proof of residence and possession prior to 2014, and that they qualify under the Delhi Government’s 2019 Property Rights Act.
“This action is illegal and unconstitutional,” said advocate Adil Ahmed. “The government cannot just bulldoze people’s homes based on a technicality, especially when they have documentary evidence and have paid all municipal dues. Many of these homes were built on land occupied well before 2014.”
One major concern is the exclusion of these houses from the Pradhan Mantri – Unauthorized Colonies in Delhi Awas Adhikar Yojana (PM-UDAY), a regularisation scheme. Residents argue that being excluded from a government scheme cannot be the sole reason for demolition.
“This is discrimination in broad daylight. We demand the government extend the PM-UDAY benefits to our locality too,” said resident Ayesha Khan.
Police deployment was significantly increased in the area on Wednesday as word spread about the DDA team’s arrival. Many residents surrounded the officials, pleading for clarification and protesting against the survey. Several women were seen holding documents and ration cards, trying to convince authorities that their homes are legal.
Public cries
“We are not illegal people. We are citizens of this country. We vote, we pay taxes, and yet we are treated like criminals,” cried 60-year-old Naeem Begum.
Some residents said they were being deliberately kept in the dark. “They didn’t even knock on the door. We just saw men measuring our walls and writing something down. We have not been told what will happen,” said Feroze Alam, a tailor by profession.
Videos from the ground show children crying and elderly residents sitting outside their homes, fearing demolition at any moment. Community leaders appealed for calm and asked people to avoid confrontation.
The lack of political intervention has added to the frustration. No senior leader from Delhi’s ruling party or opposition has visited the area or publicly addressed the residents’ concerns.
“Where are the so-called leaders now? They want our votes but not our problems,” said local activist Abdul Mannan.
Delhi Govt’s intervention sought
Several social groups have started demanding that the Delhi Government step in to stop the action or at least provide temporary relief until the next hearing in July.
“The courts are closed for vacation. The houses may be gone before the courts even reopen. Is this justice?” questioned Mohd Saeed, a resident and father of four.
What is happening in Batla House is not new. In recent years, similar actions have taken place across various Muslim-dominated localities under the label of “removing encroachments” or “acting against illegal construction.”
In Jahangirpuri last year, bulldozers razed parts of a Muslim locality following communal tensions — even as a Supreme Court stay was in place. In Khargone, Madhya Pradesh, entire Muslim homes and shops were brought down following riots, despite legal protections.
“These are not isolated incidents. It is a systematic pattern — intimidate, demolish, and displace Muslims,” said Zainab Jafri, a researcher working on urban displacement.
A 2023 report by the Housing Rights Forum found that 70% of demolitions carried out in India in 2022 affected Muslim neighbourhoods disproportionately. Activists say this creates a climate of fear and weakens the constitutional promise of equality before law.
Children’s future in dark
Beyond legal arguments and technical orders lies the human cost. In Batla House, where generations of families have lived, children go to nearby schools, and adults work in local markets, demolition would mean the end of a stable life.
“I have two daughters who go to school here. We can’t just leave,” said Shahid Anwar, an autorickshaw driver. “I have no other house. We don’t have relatives who can take us in.”
Many homes in Batla House are joint family properties, housing 10-15 people under one roof. If demolished, entire families will be on the street.
“No compensation, no alternate housing plan — just a notice and a bulldozer. Is this how a democracy works?” asked Nagma, a schoolteacher.
Legal experts say the residents still have options.
“The court may have denied immediate relief, but it has not declared the demolitions lawful. Residents must gather all documentation and approach the highest authorities, including the President, NHRC, and even international human rights bodies,” said advocate Shariq Rahman.
Several activists and NGOs have offered to assist residents in preparing legal papers and submitting memorandums.
Community leaders apeeal for calm
Meanwhile, community leaders are appealing for a peaceful sit-in protest and media coverage to bring national attention to the issue.
“If the media doesn’t show this, the bulldozers will come silently,” said Rehan Siddiqui, a journalist based in Okhla. “We must speak up before we are wiped off the map.”
At sunset, the streets of Batla House slowly emptied, but the fear remained. Children clung to their parents. Women gathered in small circles discussing what to do. The community, though shaken, is still trying to stand united.
“We are not against development,” said 74-year-old Yusuf Khan. “We just want to be treated fairly — like humans, like citizens. Is that too much to ask?”
As June 11 approaches, the question still echoes through the lanes of Batla House: Will these walls stand or fall?
