The Nainital High Court has stayed the demolition of slums in Vikasnagar and questioned the government about its inaction against influential individuals. The court expressed its displeasure over the selective action and lack of hearing.
Nainital High Court News: The Nainital High Court has raised serious questions regarding the Uttarakhand Dhami government's anti-encroachment drive (Bulldozer Action). The court temporarily stayed the demolition of slum dwellers' homes in Vikasnagar, Dehradun, questioning the selective action taken, especially considering that influential individuals have also engaged in illegal construction.
The court expressed its dissatisfaction with the lack of due process afforded to the slum dwellers and directed the government to clarify the situation by April 15, 2025. This decision was delivered during a special hearing on a holiday by a division bench comprising Chief Justice G. Narendra and Justice Ashish Naythani.
High Court Objects to Selective Action
Petitions filed regarding the Bulldozer Action stated that on April 5th, 20 slum dwellers in Vikasnagar were given only 3 days' notice to vacate their homes before demolition. However, according to the SDM report, two influential individuals also constructed illegally near a drain. No action was taken against these influential individuals, nor were they issued any notices.
Advocate Abhijay Negi, representing the petitioners, informed the court that the SDM's report mentioned the construction of a complex by influential individuals on a drain, yet no action was taken against them. The court also found that these influential individuals had not presented any valid documents.
Strict Directives from the Court
The High Court immediately stayed the implementation of the notices served to the slum dwellers and clarified that the government must explain the rationale behind applying different standards in the same area. The Advocate General, S.N. Babulkar, and the Chief Standing Counsel, Chandrashekhar Rawat, representing the government, stated that notices had been issued previously, but the court remained unconvinced by the selective action.
Previous Order Also on Court Record
It is noteworthy that the Uttarakhand High Court has previously taken a b stance against illegal encroachments on drains and nullahs in Dehradun. The court had directed the DGP to file cases against encroachers and submit a report. Furthermore, the Urban Development Secretary was instructed to install CCTV cameras, prevent mining, and conduct public awareness campaigns to prevent illegal dumping of debris.
Several public interest litigations (PILs) have also been filed in this matter. One petition stated that extensive construction is underway on waterlogged land in the Sahasradhara area, increasing the risk of drying up water sources and environmental crises. Another petition highlighted encroachments on approximately 270 acres of riverine land in areas like Rishikesh, Doiwala, and Vikasnagar, including the Bindal and Rispana river areas.
