On May 8, the Supreme Court directed the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and the Delhi government to demolish unauthorized structures on over four bighas of public land in Khasra No. 279, Okhla Village, Delhi. The demolition must be completed within three months, adhering strictly to legal procedures.
The bench, comprising Justice Abhay S. Oka and Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, issued this order while hearing a contempt petition concerning the violation of its 2018 ruling on unauthorized constructions and encroachments in Delhi.
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The Court emphasized that all concerned persons must be given a 15-day advance notice before any demolition action. It further clarified that those receiving such notices have the right to pursue legal remedies.
“When we say due process of law, we make it clear that 15 days advance notice shall be served on all concerned persons before taking action of demolition,” the Court stated.
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Background: 2018 MC Mehta Case
The Supreme Court's 2018 order in MC Mehta v. Union of India revealed widespread unauthorized construction on public lands and in unauthorized colonies across Delhi. The Court had then mandated a complete ban on new constructions in such areas and formed a Task Force to ensure compliance.
The present case concerns the unauthorized occupation of land at Khasra No. 279, Okhla Village. According to the DDA’s affidavit dated March 15, 2025, the demolition was delayed as the land had not been handed over to them. The Court, however, rejected this justification and demanded a personal affidavit from the DDA Vice-Chairman explaining the failure.
On April 17, 2025, the Vice-Chairman of DDA, Vijay Kumar Singh, stated that the authority could not proceed without possession of the land. In response, the Court directed the DDA to demolish illegal structures on the land it already possesses and the state government to handle the rest.
- The demarcated area of Khasra No. 279 measures 34 bighas and 8 biswas.
- 13 bighas and 14 biswas are vacant – no action required.
- 11 bighas and 11 biswas fall under Uttar Pradesh Irrigation Department – no action needed.
- 9 bighas and 3 biswas have unauthorized constructions:
- DDA possesses 5 bighas and 15 biswas.
- 3 bighas and 5 biswas are under the PM-UDAY scheme (no action required).
- 2 bighas and 10 biswas fall outside the PM-UDAY scheme and must be cleared.
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The remaining 3 bighas and 8 biswas, not under DDA’s possession, have been divided as follows:
- 1 bigha and 8 biswas under PM-UDAY scheme – no demolition.
- Remaining land outside PM-UDAY – demolition to be managed by the state government.
The Court also addressed the petitioner’s request, stating that the petitioner no longer wished to pursue the contempt plea. The case will now continue as a suo motu petition, with the petitioner’s name excluded from any notices issued by the DDA or the state government.
