PRESS RELEASE

New Delhi, 15th December, 2015

The National Human Rights Commission has taken suo motu cognizance of media reports on demolition of slum dwellings at two places in the National Capital, including Shakurbasti area in New Delhi and Belagaon area in Old Delhi.

The Commission has observed that the contents of the news reports, if true, raise a serious issue of violation of the right to life, right to shelter and right to dignity of the people, including women and children, who have been rendered homeless due to demolition of their slum dwellings.

According to the media report, following the demolition drive by the Railway authorities in the Shakurbasti area, nearly 500 people were rendered homeless. Accordingly, the Commission has issued notices to the Chief Secretary, Government of NCT of Delhi and Chairman, Railway Board calling for reports in the matter within two weeks.

Reportedly, the demolition of shanties in the Belagaon area was carried out by the Delhi Development Authority. Several affected people held out Aadhar and Voter Identity Cards and other documents, indicating old correspondence about land and land holdings in the Belagaon area. A woman showed papers that she was promised an alternative plot in 2006 for which rupees 500 were paid to the authorities. The Commission has issued a notice to the Chief Secretary, Government of NCT of Delhi calling for a report within two weeks in the matter.

The Commission has also decided to send a team of its officers to visit both the places of demolition, conduct an on-the-spot enquiry and submit reports within one week.

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